Chicago Archdiocese pays $8 million for 15 sexual abuse claims

Published: 2003-10-03

CHICAGO (CNS) -- The Chicago Archdiocese has settled 15 clergy sexual abuse claims for $8 million. The mediated settlements, announced Oct. 2, included an agreement that the archdiocese would take several new initiatives to promote reconciliation and healing for victims of child sexual abuse by priests. Cardinal Francis E. George of Chicago offered to meet personally with each of the survivors affected by the settlement, said Jimmy M. Lago, archdiocesan chancellor. He said costs of the settlements will be covered by insurance and the sale of undeveloped archdiocesan property. In July the archdiocese settled five other claims for a total of $5.9 million. All those involved alleged abuse by former priest Vincent McCaffrey, now in federal prison for possession of child pornography. The new settlements involve claims against 11 other priests, all of whom are now dead, resigned or removed from ministry. All the alleged incidents occurred before 1992. They included one claim dating back to 1954. Lago said the settlements included allowances for counseling and other services.

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