November 5, 2026
Dear Family of the Archdiocese of New York,
Allow me to update you on the status of our global settlement of claims made under the Child Victims Act (CVA) and other laws. As you likely know from the news reports of last week, we were able to reach an agreement with the plaintiffs’ lawyers to settle all outstanding claims. As of today, November 5, 2026, we have signed that settlement agreement, making it official.
As I mentioned to you in my letter of May 1, we had been working to reach a settlement that would resolve more than 1,300 civil claims that had been brought against the Archdiocese of New York, our parishes, charitable institutions, schools, and other agencies. That effort has been underway for more than a decade, as it has always been our desire to bring a fair and just resolution for victim-survivors, and to promote healing and reconciliation among those who have been hurt. We believe that this global settlement achieves that goal.
Under the terms of the settlement, the Archdiocese and other participating entities will provide a total pool of $804.25 million for victim survivors, with a first payment of approximately $619.25 million, and a second payment, due next year, for the balance.
The Archdiocese has been raising the money needed to fund the settlement. This money will come from various sources. The sale of the former archdiocesan chancery and the move into smaller, more affordable office space and the sale of the ground lease under the Palace Hotel raised a significant percentage of that figure, as have staff cutbacks and downsizing.
What about the rest?
I highly appreciate the voluntary contributions that our parishes have made to this settlement fund. Parishes that have adequate reserve funds have been admirably willing to share a portion of those funds, with some giving a meaningful portion of their reserves to the settlement fund.
Other institutions are also stepping up to the plate, recognizing their responsibility to do their part in supporting the Church’s efforts to bring healing, closure, and reconciliation to victim-survivors.
Credit is also due to the Plaintiffs’ Liaison Committee (PLC), which represents a majority of victim-survivors, who worked diligently to make sure that all plaintiffs understood and accepted the terms of the global settlement.
You may be wondering what impact this settlement will have on your parish. It is possible that your parish may be one that has sold unused property to contribute to the fund or has shared money from reserves to help us reach our goal of helping victim-survivors. Beyond that, however, life in your parish should continue uninterrupted, celebrating Mass and the sacraments, providing outreach to the poor and disadvantaged, consoling the bereaved, welcoming catechumens into the faith, and all the other activities that make up the life of a vibrant community of faith.
I would be remiss if I did not offer a word of thanks to my predecessor, Cardinal Dolan, who began the process towards a global settlement, and the tireless and dedicated team of people who have given countless hours to meetings, negotiations, careful planning, and discussions, to try to make this global settlement a reality. A special thanks to Proskauer Rose and FTI for their unstinting efforts in providing us legal and financial guidance throughout the process.
Even more, please know of my gratitude to you for your patience, forbearance, and faith during these difficult years, as the Church has worked to make amends for the sins of the past.
Finally, my sincere and prayerful thanks to the victim-survivors who have worked with us to achieve this global settlement. We continue to promise both our prayers for those who continue to suffer from the trauma they experienced, and recommit ourselves to ensuring that these horrific misdeeds are never again committed in our Church.
Be assured of my and the archdiocese’s continued commitment to protecting children from abuse, our vigilance in preventing future abuse, and our compassionate accompaniment of those who are suffering. Together let us pray for God’s continued healing, light, and peace.
Might I close with a personal note?
When I received the pallium from our Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV, on June 29, I was struck once again with a deep sense of gratitude and humility for the tremendous honor of being appointed Archbishop of New York. I continue to be moved by the warm welcome that I have received since my appointment; it has been a gift that I have not earned, but which has been given so generously by the faithful of this Archdiocese. That sense of gratitude was only deepened over the summer by the outpouring of prayers and good wishes that I received as I recovered from my sudden surgery for a detached retina, and again last month at the passing of my father. Know that I pray each day for you, and pray for the wisdom, faith, and strength to serve you to the best of my ability in the years to come.
With prayerful best wishes for a blessed Thanksgiving for you and your loved ones, I am,
Sincerely Yours in Christ,
† Most Reverend Ronald Hicks
Archbishop of New York