Boston Archdiocese settles for $85 million

BOSTON — The Archdiocese of Boston agreed to an $85 million settlement with 552 victims of clergy sex abuse, the largest settlement in the history of the U.S. Catholic Church, media in Boston reported Sept. 9. The agreement was reached after newly installed Archbishop Sean P. O’Malley sat in on six hours of negotiations with victims’ lawyers Sept. 7. The Boston Herald and the Associated Press said victims who opt into the settlement will receive between $80,000 and $300,000. Parents who sued could get $20,000.

Church officials said they would pay for psychological treatment for victims for as long as they request it. In addition, the church agreed to name victims to advisory boards, including one that handles complaints against priests.