Sex Abuse Litigation

All major cases

Catholic Church abuse crisis (United States)

From the first cases in the 1980s and the Boston Globe's 2002 investigation to grand jury reports, diocese bankruptcies and multibillion-dollar settlements.

119 developments, 1985–2026, oldest first.

1985

  1. Times of Acadiana investigation details how Lafayette diocese handled priest Gilbert Gauthe

    Jason Berry's investigation reported that church leaders in the Diocese of Lafayette received warnings about Rev. Gilbert Gauthe for years before he was removed, and described criminal charges and confidential settlements with families.

    Investigation Diocese of LafayetteUnited States, LouisianaReported by The Times of Acadiana (archived by BishopAccountability.org)

  2. National Catholic Reporter calls clergy abuse cases a pattern of church cover-ups

    NCR devoted its front page to clergy sexual abuse cases in Louisiana and several other dioceses, with an editor's note arguing that church structures had failed to act on complaints and an editorial urging diocesan review boards.

    Investigation Roman Catholic ChurchUnited StatesReported by National Catholic Reporter

  3. Doyle, Mouton and Peterson draft confidential manual warning bishops of clergy abuse crisis

    Canon lawyer Rev. Thomas Doyle, Gauthe defense attorney F. Ray Mouton and Rev. Michael Peterson wrote a confidential report urging bishops to confront clergy sexual abuse; it was quietly tabled at the bishops' June 1985 meeting.

    Policy change U.S. Conference of Catholic BishopsUnited StatesReported by BishopAccountability.org

  4. Louisiana families sue diocese as priest Gilbert Gauthe faces dozens of molestation counts

    Gauthe, who had pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity to 34 counts, was reported to have acknowledged abusing dozens of children, while families pursued suits against the Lafayette diocese, which had already paid $4.2 million to nine families.

    Criminal charges Diocese of LafayetteUnited States, LouisianaReported by The New York Times

  5. Former Louisiana priest Gilbert Gauthe sentenced to 20 years in prison

    Under a plea agreement, Gauthe pleaded guilty to charges including child pornography and crimes against nature and received a 20-year prison sentence.

    Conviction Diocese of LafayetteUnited States, LouisianaReported by The New York Times

  6. Peterson sends clergy abuse 'Guidelines' package to every U.S. bishop

    Rev. Michael Peterson mailed the Doyle-Mouton-Peterson materials to every U.S. diocesan bishop, meaning the hierarchy had a detailed warning about the abuse problem by the end of 1985.

    Policy change U.S. Conference of Catholic BishopsUnited StatesReported by BishopAccountability.org

1987

  1. Report: Lafayette diocese has paid about $12 million in Gauthe-related cases, including $1.25M jury award

    A review of the Gauthe case reported that a 1986 jury awarded one family $1.25 million after the diocese admitted liability, and that the diocese had paid an estimated $12 million across 16 cases.

    Verdict Diocese of LafayetteUnited States, LouisianaReported by San Jose Mercury News (archived by BishopAccountability.org)

1992

  1. Nine people allege former priest James Porter abused them, threaten to sue church

    Nine adults alleged that James Porter abused them as children while he was a priest in the Diocese of Fall River in the 1960s and said they planned to sue the church.

    Allegation Diocese of Fall RiverUnited States, MassachusettsReported by The Boston Globe

  2. Dozens more come forward alleging abuse by Fall River priest James Porter

    About 30 additional people alleged they were abused by Porter in the 1960s, sharply expanding the case days after the first accounts became public.

    Allegation Diocese of Fall RiverUnited States, MassachusettsReported by The Boston Globe

  3. Massachusetts charitable-immunity law caps church liability at $20,000

    The Globe reported that a little-known state law limited damages against charitable organizations such as the church to $20,000 per claim, constraining Porter accusers' potential lawsuits.

    Lawsuit filed Diocese of Fall RiverUnited States, MassachusettsReported by The Boston Globe

  4. Cardinal Law criticizes press coverage of Porter abuse case

    Cardinal Bernard Law publicly faulted news media coverage of the Porter allegations, drawing criticism from accusers and advocates.

    Policy change Archdiocese of BostonUnited States, MassachusettsReported by The Boston Globe

  5. New Fall River bishop Sean O'Malley reaches out to Porter's accusers

    Newly appointed Fall River Bishop Sean O'Malley pledged to reach out to people abused by clergy as the Porter case widened.

    Policy change Diocese of Fall RiverUnited States, MassachusettsReported by The Boston Globe

  6. James Porter admits abusing children while a priest and apologizes

    Porter publicly acknowledged having abused children during his years as a priest and issued an apology.

    Allegation Diocese of Fall RiverUnited States, MassachusettsReported by The Boston Globe

  7. Fall River bishop pledges aid to Porter accusers

    The Diocese of Fall River announced it would help pay for counseling and support for people who said Porter abused them.

    Policy change Diocese of Fall RiverUnited States, MassachusettsReported by The Boston Globe

  8. Former priest James Porter arrested in Minnesota on Massachusetts abuse charges

    Porter was taken into custody in Minnesota on criminal charges brought in Massachusetts over abuse of children in the 1960s.

    Criminal charges Diocese of Fall RiverUnited States, MassachusettsReported by The Boston Globe

  9. Report says Porter told the pope of his abuse in the 1960s

    The Globe reported that Porter had said he disclosed his abuse of children to the pope in the 1960s before leaving the priesthood, raising questions about what the Vatican knew.

    Investigation Roman Catholic ChurchVatican City / United States, MassachusettsReported by The Boston Globe

  10. Boston archdiocese promises abuse policy and review board

    The Archdiocese of Boston said it would adopt a formal policy on clergy sexual abuse and create a review board to handle complaints.

    Policy change Archdiocese of BostonUnited States, MassachusettsReported by The Boston Globe

  11. U.S. bishops apologize to victims of clergy sexual abuse

    Meeting amid the Porter scandal, U.S. Catholic bishops issued an apology to people abused by priests.

    Policy change U.S. Conference of Catholic BishopsUnited StatesReported by The Boston Globe

  12. U.S. bishops pledge principles for responding to abuse cases

    The bishops' conference committed to guidelines for responding to abuse allegations, including prompt investigation and support for victims, though they remained non-binding.

    Policy change U.S. Conference of Catholic BishopsUnited StatesReported by The Boston Globe

  13. 68 Porter accusers reach settlement with Diocese of Fall River

    Sixty-eight people who said Porter abused them settled their claims with the Catholic Church in a confidential agreement.

    Settlement Diocese of Fall RiverUnited States, MassachusettsReported by The Boston Globe

  14. Ex-priest James Porter goes on trial in Minnesota molestation case

    Porter went on trial in Minnesota on charges of molesting a child years after leaving the priesthood, while Massachusetts charges remained pending.

    Criminal charges Diocese of Fall RiverUnited States, MinnesotaReported by The New York Times

1993

  1. Boston archdiocese adopts sexual misconduct rules for clergy

    The Archdiocese of Boston issued formal rules for handling allegations of sexual misconduct by clergy.

    Policy change Archdiocese of BostonUnited States, MassachusettsReported by The Boston Globe

  2. Man says aide to Cardinal Law let abuse complaints languish

    A man alleged that a top aide to Cardinal Law failed to act on his complaints of clergy abuse, an early sign of problems in Boston's handling of cases.

    Allegation Archdiocese of BostonUnited States, MassachusettsReported by The Boston Globe

  3. James Porter pleads guilty to assaults committed as a priest

    Porter pleaded guilty in Massachusetts to dozens of counts of sexual assault on children committed while he was a priest in the Fall River diocese.

    Conviction Diocese of Fall RiverUnited States, MassachusettsReported by The Boston Globe

  4. James Porter sentenced to 18 to 20 years in prison

    A Massachusetts judge sentenced Porter to 18 to 20 years in prison for abusing children in the 1960s.

    Conviction Diocese of Fall RiverUnited States, MassachusettsReported by The Boston Globe

  5. Porter victims' lawyer says 20 other area priests face accusations

    An attorney for Porter's victims said about 20 other priests in southeastern Massachusetts had also been accused of abuse.

    Allegation Diocese of Fall RiverUnited States, MassachusettsReported by The Boston Globe

1997

  1. Dallas jury awards $119.6 million against diocese over former priest Rudy Kos

    A Dallas County jury found the Diocese of Dallas liable for concealing abuse by former priest Rudolph Kos and awarded plaintiffs $119.6 million, then the largest clergy-abuse verdict in the U.S.

    Verdict Diocese of DallasUnited States, TexasReported by The Dallas Morning News

1998

  1. Former Dallas priest Rudolph Kos sentenced to life in prison

    Rudolph Kos, convicted of sexually assaulting boys while serving as a priest in the Diocese of Dallas, was sentenced to life in prison.

    Conviction Diocese of DallasUnited States, TexasReported by The New York Times

  2. Dallas diocese settles Kos case for $23.4 million after jury verdict

    The Diocese of Dallas and its insurers agreed to pay about $23.4 million to plaintiffs in the Kos case, settling for less than the jury award to avoid prolonged appeals.

    Settlement Diocese of DallasUnited States, TexasReported by The New York Times

1999

  1. James Porter denied parole

    Massachusetts parole officials denied release to Porter, who was serving his sentence for child sexual abuse.

    Conviction Diocese of Fall RiverUnited States, MassachusettsReported by The Boston Globe

2001

  1. Massachusetts bill would extend time for molestation victims to sue

    Legislators proposed changing Massachusetts law so that adults abused as children would have more time to bring claims.

    Legislation Diocese of Fall RiverUnited States, MassachusettsReported by The Boston Globe

2002

  1. Spotlight: Church allowed abuse by priest John Geoghan for years

    The Globe's Spotlight team reported that Cardinal Bernard Law and other Boston church leaders repeatedly reassigned John Geoghan despite allegations he had molested more than 130 children, launching the national scandal.

    Investigation Archdiocese of BostonUnited States, MassachusettsReported by The Boston Globe

  2. Globe: Cardinal Law knew of 1985 report on repeat abusers yet reassigned Geoghan

    A Spotlight follow-up reported that Cardinal Law had access to the 1985 warnings that abusive priests were likely to reoffend but still assigned Rev. John Geoghan to a parish where he continued to abuse children.

    Investigation Archdiocese of BostonUnited States, MassachusettsReported by The Boston Globe

  3. Former priest John Geoghan found guilty of indecent assault

    A Middlesex County jury convicted defrocked priest John Geoghan of indecently assaulting a boy, the first criminal verdict against him amid more than 130 allegations.

    Conviction Archdiocese of BostonUnited States, MassachusettsReported by The Boston Globe

  4. Boston crisis reopens old wounds in Louisiana, where the scandal first surfaced

    As the Boston scandal spread nationally, the Times returned to the Lafayette diocese, where the Gauthe case had first exposed clergy abuse in 1984-85.

    Investigation Diocese of LafayetteUnited States, LouisianaReported by The New York Times

  5. U.S. bishops adopt Dallas Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People

    Meeting in Dallas, U.S. bishops voted overwhelmingly for a charter requiring removal from ministry of any priest who abused a minor, lay review boards and reporting to civil authorities.

    Policy change U.S. Conference of Catholic BishopsUnited StatesReported by NPR (archived by BishopAccountability.org)

  6. Cardinal Bernard Law resigns as archbishop of Boston

    Pope John Paul II accepted the resignation of Cardinal Bernard Law after nearly a year of revelations that he had shielded abusive priests in the Boston archdiocese.

    Policy change Archdiocese of BostonUnited States, MassachusettsReported by UPI

2003

  1. Massachusetts attorney general reports nearly 1,000 likely victims of Boston clergy

    Attorney General Thomas Reilly's report concluded that more than 1,000 people were likely abused by Boston-area clergy since 1940 and that church leaders' secrecy enabled it, though no officials could be charged under then-current law.

    Investigation Massachusetts Attorney General's OfficeUnited States, MassachusettsReported by Associated Press (archived by BishopAccountability.org)

  2. Boston archdiocese agrees to $85 million settlement with 552 abuse claimants

    Under new Archbishop Sean O'Malley, the Archdiocese of Boston agreed to pay $85 million to resolve more than 500 abuse lawsuits, then the largest such settlement.

    Settlement Archdiocese of BostonUnited States, MassachusettsReported by Fox News

2004

  1. About 800 abuse suits filed against California Catholic church as one-year window closes

    A 2003 California law that temporarily lifted the statute of limitations for childhood sexual abuse claims produced roughly 800 lawsuits against Catholic dioceses and orders by its Dec. 31 deadline.

    Legislation State of CaliforniaUnited States, CaliforniaReported by Associated Press (archived by BishopAccountability.org)

  2. Bishops' John Jay study finds 4,392 priests accused of abusing minors since 1950

    The bishops-commissioned John Jay College study found that about 4,392 priests, roughly 4 percent of those serving, were accused of abusing some 10,667 minors between 1950 and 2002.

    Investigation U.S. Conference of Catholic BishopsUnited StatesReported by UPI

  3. Prosecutors seek civil commitment of James Porter as sexually dangerous person

    As Porter neared the end of his prison term, Bristol County prosecutors sought to have him civilly committed as a sexually dangerous person.

    Investigation Bristol County District Attorney's OfficeUnited States, MassachusettsReported by Turn to 10 (archived by BishopAccountability.org)

  4. Archdiocese of Portland becomes first U.S. diocese to file for bankruptcy

    Facing abuse claims seeking hundreds of millions of dollars, the Archdiocese of Portland in Oregon filed for Chapter 11 protection hours before a trial was to begin, the first Catholic diocese in the U.S. to do so.

    Lawsuit filed Archdiocese of Portland in OregonUnited States, OregonReported by Lawrence Journal-World (Associated Press)

  5. Diocese of Tucson files for bankruptcy over clergy abuse claims

    The Diocese of Tucson became the second U.S. diocese to seek Chapter 11 protection as it faced dozens of abuse lawsuits.

    Lawsuit filed Diocese of TucsonUnited States, ArizonaReported by Catholic News Agency

  6. Diocese of Orange agrees to $100 million settlement of abuse claims

    The Diocese of Orange in California agreed to pay $100 million to settle about 90 lawsuits filed under the state's 2003 lookback window.

    Settlement Diocese of OrangeUnited States, CaliforniaReported by CBS News

  7. Spokane diocese files for bankruptcy; court takes control of finances

    The Diocese of Spokane filed for Chapter 11 protection amid clergy abuse lawsuits, placing its finances under bankruptcy court supervision.

    Lawsuit filed Diocese of SpokaneUnited States, WashingtonReported by The Spokesman-Review

2005

  1. Former priest James Porter dies at 70

    Porter, whose case helped bring clergy sexual abuse to national attention in 1992 and who pleaded guilty in 1993, died of cancer.

    Conviction Diocese of Fall RiverUnited States, MassachusettsReported by NBC News / Associated Press

  2. Sacramento diocese to pay $35 million to 33 abuse claimants

    The Diocese of Sacramento settled 33 clergy abuse claims for $35 million minutes before the first trial was set to begin.

    Settlement Diocese of SacramentoUnited States, CaliforniaReported by San Francisco Chronicle

  3. Oakland diocese settles abuse lawsuits for $56 million

    The Diocese of Oakland agreed to pay $56 million to resolve dozens of lawsuits brought under California's lookback window.

    Settlement Diocese of OaklandUnited States, CaliforniaReported by The Seattle Times (Associated Press)

  4. Philadelphia grand jury finds archdiocese covered up abuse by 63 priests

    A Philadelphia grand jury report found that Cardinals John Krol and Anthony Bevilacqua concealed abuse by dozens of priests over decades, but said no charges were possible because of statutes of limitations.

    Investigation Philadelphia District Attorney's OfficeUnited States, PennsylvaniaReported by JURIST

2006

  1. Diocese of Davenport files for bankruptcy

    The Diocese of Davenport in Iowa filed for Chapter 11 protection, citing the cost of clergy sexual abuse claims.

    Lawsuit filed Diocese of DavenportUnited States, IowaReported by CBS News

  2. Los Angeles archdiocese pays $60 million to settle 45 abuse claims

    The Archdiocese of Los Angeles agreed to pay $60 million to resolve 45 abuse lawsuits not covered by insurance, a prelude to a larger global settlement.

    Settlement Archdiocese of Los AngelesUnited States, CaliforniaReported by CBC News

2007

  1. San Diego diocese files for bankruptcy on eve of abuse trials

    The Diocese of San Diego filed for Chapter 11 protection hours before the first of about 140 abuse lawsuits was to go to trial, halting the cases.

    Lawsuit filed Diocese of San DiegoUnited States, CaliforniaReported by KPBS

  2. Los Angeles archdiocese agrees to record $660 million abuse settlement

    The Archdiocese of Los Angeles agreed to pay $660 million to more than 500 people alleging clergy abuse, the largest such settlement in U.S. history, and Cardinal Roger Mahony apologized.

    Settlement Archdiocese of Los AngelesUnited States, CaliforniaReported by The Guardian

  3. San Diego diocese settles abuse cases for about $200 million

    The Diocese of San Diego agreed to pay about $198 million to 144 abuse claimants, ending its bankruptcy case.

    Settlement Diocese of San DiegoUnited States, CaliforniaReported by The New York Times

  4. Diocese of Davenport settles with abuse victims for $37 million

    The Diocese of Davenport reached a $37 million settlement with abuse claimants as part of its bankruptcy reorganization.

    Settlement Diocese of DavenportUnited States, IowaReported by The New York Times

2008

  1. Ex-priest Gilbert Gauthe arrested in Texas on sex-offender registration charge

    Texas police arrested Gauthe, convicted in 1985, for allegedly failing to give required advance notice before moving under the state's sex-offender registration law.

    Criminal charges Diocese of LafayetteUnited States, TexasReported by The Advertiser (archived by BishopAccountability.org)

2009

  1. Diocese of Wilmington files for bankruptcy amid abuse suits

    The Diocese of Wilmington filed for Chapter 11 protection on the eve of an abuse trial, after Delaware's 2007 law opened a two-year window for old claims.

    Lawsuit filed Diocese of WilmingtonUnited States, DelawareReported by The New York Times

2010

  1. Guardian examines what Cardinal William Levada knew of 1985 abuse warnings

    The Guardian scrutinized the record of Cardinal William Levada, then head of the Vatican's doctrinal office and formerly a U.S. archbishop, regarding early warnings about clergy abuse.

    Investigation Roman Catholic ChurchVatican City / United StatesReported by The Guardian

2011

  1. Milwaukee archdiocese files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy

    The Archdiocese of Milwaukee filed for bankruptcy protection as it faced abuse lawsuits and failed settlement talks with victims.

    Lawsuit filed Archdiocese of MilwaukeeUnited States, WisconsinReported by MPR News (Associated Press)

  2. Philadelphia grand jury charges church official William Lynn and priests

    A second Philadelphia grand jury report said dozens of priests with credible allegations remained in ministry and led to charges against Msgr. William Lynn for endangering children, along with two priests and a teacher.

    Criminal charges Archdiocese of PhiladelphiaUnited States, PennsylvaniaReported by The New York Times

  3. Kansas City Bishop Robert Finn indicted for failing to report suspected abuse

    A Jackson County grand jury indicted Bishop Robert Finn and his diocese on misdemeanor charges of failing to report suspected child abuse involving a priest's images of children, the first such charge against a sitting U.S. bishop.

    Criminal charges Diocese of Kansas City-St. JosephUnited States, MissouriReported by The New York Times

2012

  1. Msgr. William Lynn convicted of child endangerment in Philadelphia

    Msgr. William Lynn, the archdiocese's former secretary for clergy, became the first U.S. church official convicted for his handling of abuse allegations.

    Conviction Archdiocese of PhiladelphiaUnited States, PennsylvaniaReported by The New York Times

  2. Bishop Robert Finn found guilty of failing to report suspected child abuse

    In a bench trial, Bishop Finn was convicted of one misdemeanor count of failing to report suspected abuse and sentenced to two years' probation, making him the highest-ranking U.S. Catholic official convicted in the scandal.

    Conviction Diocese of Kansas City-St. JosephUnited States, MissouriReported by The Kansas City Star (archived by BishopAccountability.org)

2013

  1. Msgr. William Lynn's child-endangerment conviction overturned on appeal

    A Pennsylvania appeals court overturned the conviction of Msgr. William Lynn, ruling the child endangerment law did not apply to supervisors at the time.

    Verdict Archdiocese of PhiladelphiaUnited States, PennsylvaniaReported by NPR

2015

  1. Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis files for bankruptcy

    Facing claims filed under Minnesota's 2013 Child Victims Act window, the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis filed for Chapter 11 protection.

    Lawsuit filed Archdiocese of Saint Paul and MinneapolisUnited States, MinnesotaReported by The Washington Post

  2. Bishop Robert Finn resigns after conviction for failing to report abuse

    Pope Francis accepted the resignation of Kansas City-St. Joseph Bishop Robert Finn, convicted in 2012 of failing to report suspected abuse.

    Policy change Diocese of Kansas City-St. JosephUnited States, MissouriReported by National Catholic Reporter

  3. Milwaukee archdiocese bankruptcy plan pays $21 million to abuse survivors

    A bankruptcy judge approved the Archdiocese of Milwaukee's reorganization plan, providing $21 million for clergy abuse survivors and ending a nearly five-year case.

    Settlement Archdiocese of MilwaukeeUnited States, WisconsinReported by FOX6 Milwaukee

2017

  1. Cardinal Bernard Law, central figure in Boston abuse scandal, dies at 86

    Cardinal Bernard Law, who resigned as Boston archbishop in 2002 over his handling of abusive priests, died in Rome.

    Policy change Archdiocese of BostonUnited States, MassachusettsReported by The New York Times

2018

  1. Cardinal Theodore McCarrick removed from public ministry after abuse allegation found credible

    The Vatican ordered retired Washington Archbishop Theodore McCarrick out of public ministry after an Archdiocese of New York review board found credible a decades-old allegation that he abused a teenage altar server. McCarrick denied the allegation.

    Allegation Archdiocese of WashingtonUnited States, District of ColumbiaReported by PBS NewsHour

  2. Pennsylvania grand jury report says more than 300 priests abused over 1,000 children in six dioceses

    A statewide grand jury report released by the Pennsylvania attorney general identified more than 300 accused priests and over 1,000 child victims across six dioceses over seven decades. It concluded that church leaders systematically covered up the abuse.

    Investigation Pennsylvania Attorney General's OfficeUnited States, PennsylvaniaReported by News Tribune (Associated Press)

  3. Judge approves $210 million settlement in Twin Cities archdiocese bankruptcy

    A federal bankruptcy judge approved a $210 million plan to compensate more than 450 clergy abuse survivors of the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis.

    Settlement Archdiocese of Saint Paul and MinneapolisUnited States, MinnesotaReported by MPR News

  4. Justice Department opens federal investigation into clergy abuse in Pennsylvania dioceses

    Federal prosecutors in Pennsylvania served subpoenas on Catholic dioceses across the state, opening the first known federal investigation into clergy sexual abuse and its concealment in the wake of the grand jury report.

    Investigation U.S. Department of JusticeUnited States, PennsylvaniaReported by The Washington Times

  5. Vatican orders U.S. bishops to delay votes on abuse accountability measures

    At the opening of their Baltimore meeting, the USCCB announced that the Vatican had asked it to postpone votes on a code of conduct for bishops and a lay-led misconduct commission.

    Policy change U.S. Conference of Catholic BishopsUnited States, MarylandReported by BishopAccountability.org

2019

  1. New York Gov. Cuomo signs Child Victims Act, opening lookback window

    New York's Child Victims Act extended the statute of limitations and created a one-year window for survivors to file previously time-barred abuse lawsuits, after years of opposition from the Catholic Church.

    Legislation State of New YorkUnited States, New YorkReported by WKBW

  2. Vatican defrocks former cardinal Theodore McCarrick over sexual abuse

    Pope Francis confirmed a Vatican ruling that found McCarrick guilty under church law of sexually abusing minors and adults and dismissed him from the priesthood, the first cardinal laicized for abuse.

    Policy change Archdiocese of WashingtonUnited States, District of ColumbiaReported by Religion News Service (Associated Press)

  3. New York Archdiocese names 120 clergy accused of abuse

    The Archdiocese of New York released a list of 120 clergy members credibly accused of sexually abusing minors.

    Allegation Archdiocese of New YorkUnited States, New YorkReported by The New York Times

  4. New Jersey Gov. Murphy signs law opening two-year window for abuse suits

    New Jersey extended its statute of limitations for child sexual abuse and created a two-year window beginning December 2019 for old claims.

    Legislation State of New JerseyUnited States, New JerseyReported by The Philadelphia Inquirer

  5. Hundreds of child sex abuse lawsuits flood New York courts as window opens

    On the first day of the Child Victims Act window, hundreds of lawsuits were filed, many against Catholic dioceses across New York.

    Lawsuit filed State of New YorkUnited States, New YorkReported by The New York Times

  6. Diocese of Rochester files for bankruptcy after Child Victims Act suits

    The Diocese of Rochester became the first New York diocese to file for Chapter 11 protection after a wave of lawsuits under the Child Victims Act.

    Lawsuit filed Diocese of RochesterUnited States, New YorkReported by Democrat & Chronicle

  7. Missouri attorney general refers 12 former clergy for possible prosecution

    Attorney General Eric Schmitt's review of Missouri's four dioceses identified 163 accused clergy and referred 12 living former clerics to prosecutors.

    Investigation Missouri Attorney General's OfficeUnited States, MissouriReported by Catholic World Report

  8. Buffalo Bishop Richard Malone resigns over handling of abuse cases

    Bishop Richard Malone resigned after revelations that the Diocese of Buffalo kept accused priests off a public list and in ministry.

    Policy change Diocese of BuffaloUnited States, New YorkReported by The New York Times

  9. New Jersey litigation window opens with new suits including against McCarrick

    As New Jersey's two-year lookback window opened, survivors filed new lawsuits against dioceses and former cardinal Theodore McCarrick.

    Lawsuit filed State of New JerseyUnited States, New JerseyReported by EWTN News

2020

  1. California's three-year abuse lawsuit window opens

    California's AB 218 lookback window took effect Jan. 1, 2020, allowing thousands of new claims against Catholic dioceses.

    Legislation State of CaliforniaUnited States, CaliforniaReported by EWTN News

  2. Diocese of Buffalo files for bankruptcy, citing more than 500 abuse claims

    The Diocese of Buffalo filed for Chapter 11 protection, acknowledging more than 500 clergy abuse claims.

    Lawsuit filed Diocese of BuffaloUnited States, New YorkReported by WGRZ

  3. Archdiocese of New Orleans files for bankruptcy

    The Archdiocese of New Orleans filed for Chapter 11 protection, citing the cost of clergy abuse litigation.

    Lawsuit filed Archdiocese of New OrleansUnited States, LouisianaReported by Catholic World Report

  4. Diocese of Syracuse files for bankruptcy

    The Diocese of Syracuse filed for Chapter 11 protection, moving Child Victims Act suits into bankruptcy court.

    Lawsuit filed Diocese of SyracuseUnited States, New YorkReported by Syracuse.com

  5. Rockville Centre becomes fourth New York diocese to file for bankruptcy

    The Long Island diocese, facing more than 200 Child Victims Act lawsuits, filed for Chapter 11 protection.

    Lawsuit filed Diocese of Rockville CentreUnited States, New YorkReported by Catholic World Report

  6. Vatican report finds church leaders, including John Paul II, discounted warnings about McCarrick

    The Vatican released a 449-page internal report concluding that bishops, cardinals and popes received reports of McCarrick's misconduct for decades, and that Pope John Paul II promoted him despite those warnings.

    Investigation Archdiocese of WashingtonUnited States, District of ColumbiaReported by ABC7 Chicago

2021

  1. Ex-cardinal McCarrick criminally charged in Massachusetts with assaulting a teenager in 1974

    McCarrick was charged in Dedham District Court with indecent assault and battery on a person over 14, stemming from an alleged 1974 assault at a wedding reception at Wellesley College. He became the first U.S. cardinal criminally charged with sexual abuse of a minor.

    Criminal charges Archdiocese of WashingtonUnited States, MassachusettsReported by WBUR (Associated Press)

2023

  1. Diocese of Santa Rosa files for bankruptcy after nearly 200 abuse lawsuits

    The Diocese of Santa Rosa filed for Chapter 11 protection after nearly 200 suits were filed under California's lookback window.

    Lawsuit filed Diocese of Santa RosaUnited States, CaliforniaReported by CBS News Bay Area

  2. Albany diocese files for bankruptcy amid flood of abuse lawsuits

    The Diocese of Albany filed for Chapter 11 protection, facing more than 400 Child Victims Act lawsuits.

    Lawsuit filed Diocese of AlbanyUnited States, New YorkReported by WNYT

  3. Maryland attorney general report details abuse of more than 600 children in Archdiocese of Baltimore

    A redacted report from the Maryland attorney general accused more than 150 clergy and others affiliated with the Archdiocese of Baltimore of abusing over 600 children across eight decades and documented a long-running cover-up by church officials.

    Investigation Maryland Attorney General's OfficeUnited States, MarylandReported by National Catholic Reporter

  4. Diocese of Oakland files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy

    The Diocese of Oakland, facing about 330 abuse lawsuits under California's window, filed for bankruptcy protection.

    Lawsuit filed Diocese of OaklandUnited States, CaliforniaReported by East Bay Times

  5. Illinois attorney general finds 451 Catholic clergy abused nearly 2,000 children

    A nearly five-year investigation by Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul identified 451 Catholic clergy and lay employees who abused 1,997 children in the state's six dioceses since 1950, far more than the church had publicly acknowledged.

    Investigation Illinois Attorney General's OfficeUnited States, IllinoisReported by Hawaii Tribune-Herald (Associated Press)

  6. Archdiocese of San Francisco files for bankruptcy

    The Archdiocese of San Francisco filed for Chapter 11 protection to pursue a global settlement of more than 500 abuse claims.

    Lawsuit filed Archdiocese of San FranciscoUnited States, CaliforniaReported by Reuters

  7. Massachusetts judge dismisses McCarrick sex abuse case after finding him not competent for trial

    A Dedham judge dismissed the criminal case against McCarrick, 93, after a prosecution expert agreed with the defense that dementia left him unable to assist in his own defense.

    Criminal charges Archdiocese of WashingtonUnited States, MassachusettsReported by WJAR (Associated Press)

  8. Archdiocese of Baltimore files for bankruptcy ahead of expected lawsuits

    The Archdiocese of Baltimore filed for Chapter 11 two days before Maryland's Child Victims Act took effect.

    Lawsuit filed Archdiocese of BaltimoreUnited States, MarylandReported by The Baltimore Banner

  9. New competency exam leaves McCarrick's Wisconsin sexual assault case in doubt

    A state psychologist's evaluation of McCarrick, charged in Walworth County, Wisconsin, with a 1977 sexual assault at a lake resort, raised doubts about whether the case could proceed to trial.

    Criminal charges Archdiocese of WashingtonUnited States, WisconsinReported by Catholic World Report

2024

  1. Michigan attorney general releases second report on clergy abuse

    Attorney General Dana Nessel issued the second in a series of diocese-by-diocese reports from her statewide investigation of clergy abuse.

    Investigation Michigan Attorney General's OfficeUnited States, MichiganReported by EWTN News

  2. Wisconsin judge suspends criminal case against McCarrick, finding him unfit for trial

    A Walworth County judge suspended McCarrick's sexual assault case after ruling he was mentally incompetent to stand trial and unlikely to regain competency, mirroring the earlier Massachusetts outcome.

    Criminal charges Archdiocese of WashingtonUnited States, WisconsinReported by The Catholic Register

  3. Diocese of Sacramento files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy

    The Diocese of Sacramento filed for bankruptcy protection, citing more than 250 abuse claims under California's lookback window.

    Lawsuit filed Diocese of SacramentoUnited States, CaliforniaReported by KCRA

  4. Louisiana probe of New Orleans clergy abuse expands to church leaders

    Louisiana State Police executed a search warrant at the Archdiocese of New Orleans as the investigation widened to senior officials suspected of shielding abusers.

    Investigation Louisiana State PoliceUnited States, LouisianaReported by National Catholic Reporter (Associated Press)

  5. Diocese of San Diego files for bankruptcy for second time

    Facing about 450 new abuse claims, the Diocese of San Diego filed for Chapter 11 protection again.

    Lawsuit filed Diocese of San DiegoUnited States, CaliforniaReported by 10News San Diego

  6. Rockville Centre diocese agrees to pay $323 million to abuse survivors

    The Diocese of Rockville Centre reached a $323 million deal with survivors, among the largest Catholic bankruptcy settlements.

    Settlement Diocese of Rockville CentreUnited States, New YorkReported by The Guardian

  7. Michigan AG report names 56 clergy in Diocese of Lansing

    The fourth report in Michigan's statewide inquiry identified 56 clergy and religious accused of abuse in the Diocese of Lansing.

    Investigation Michigan Attorney General's OfficeUnited States, MichiganReported by EWTN News

2025

  1. Defrocked former cardinal Theodore McCarrick dies at 94 without facing trial

    McCarrick, the highest-ranking U.S. churchman to be dismissed from the priesthood over sexual abuse, died in Missouri at age 94. Both criminal cases against him had ended with findings that he was not competent to stand trial.

    Policy change Archdiocese of WashingtonUnited States, MissouriReported by KAIT (Associated Press)

  2. Buffalo diocese reaches $150 million settlement with abuse survivors

    The Diocese of Buffalo agreed to a $150 million settlement with survivors in its bankruptcy case.

    Settlement Diocese of BuffaloUnited States, New YorkReported by WKBW

  3. Diocese of Fresno files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy

    The Diocese of Fresno filed for bankruptcy protection to address abuse claims brought under California law.

    Lawsuit filed Diocese of FresnoUnited States, CaliforniaReported by KMPH / BakersfieldNow

  4. Syracuse diocese bankruptcy plan approved, awarding survivors $176 million

    A bankruptcy judge approved the Diocese of Syracuse's exit plan providing $176 million for abuse survivors.

    Settlement Diocese of SyracuseUnited States, New YorkReported by CNY Central

  5. Federal court approves Rochester diocese settlement with survivors

    A federal bankruptcy court approved the Diocese of Rochester's settlement plan with abuse survivors.

    Settlement Diocese of RochesterUnited States, New YorkReported by Catholic World Report

  6. Federal judge approves New Orleans archdiocese bankruptcy settlement

    A federal judge confirmed the Archdiocese of New Orleans' plan to compensate hundreds of abuse survivors, ending a bankruptcy of more than five years.

    Settlement Archdiocese of New OrleansUnited States, LouisianaReported by WLOX

  7. New York archdiocese to raise $300 million to settle 1,300 abuse claims

    Cardinal Timothy Dolan said the archdiocese would enter mediation and raise more than $300 million through budget cuts, layoffs and property sales to resolve about 1,300 abuse claims.

    Settlement Archdiocese of New YorkUnited States, New YorkReported by America Magazine

  8. Michigan AG report details abuse by 51 priests in Diocese of Grand Rapids

    Attorney General Dana Nessel released a report on the Diocese of Grand Rapids naming 51 priests, part of her statewide clergy abuse investigation.

    Investigation Michigan Attorney General's OfficeUnited States, MichiganReported by Michigan Advance

2026

  1. Diocese of Camden agrees to $180 million clergy abuse settlement

    The bankrupt Diocese of Camden agreed to a $180 million settlement, including $87.5 million from an earlier 2022 deal, subject to court approval.

    Settlement Diocese of CamdenUnited States, New JerseyReported by Jamaica Gleaner (Associated Press)

  2. Syracuse diocese receives final court approval of $176 million settlement

    The bankruptcy court issued a final decree allowing the Diocese of Syracuse to emerge from Chapter 11 after its $176 million survivor settlement.

    Settlement Diocese of SyracuseUnited States, New YorkReported by Catholic World Report

  3. Albany diocese strikes $148 million deal with abuse survivors

    About three years into its bankruptcy, the Diocese of Albany reached a $148 million settlement with a committee of survivors, its parishes and affiliates.

    Settlement Diocese of AlbanyUnited States, New YorkReported by Bloomberg Law

  4. Archdiocese of San Francisco reaches $395 million abuse settlement

    A mediated $395 million deal in the archdiocese's bankruptcy would resolve more than 500 claims and require publication of a list of credibly accused priests.

    Settlement Archdiocese of San FranciscoUnited States, CaliforniaReported by Bloomberg Law

  5. Diocese of Ogdensburg seeks to exit bankruptcy with $83 million abuse fund

    The northern New York diocese proposed an $83 million survivor fund, including insurer contributions, to conclude its bankruptcy case.

    Settlement Diocese of OgdensburgUnited States, New YorkReported by WCAX