The New York Roman Catholic Church has agreed to mediation for 1300 child sexual abuse claims, which could lead to payouts of hundreds of millions of dollars for victims.
In what could be one of the largest payouts ever by a church in the United States, the Archdiocese of New York announced negotiations to provide victims with “the most financial compensation possible".
Cardinal Timothy Dolan said: "As we have repeatedly acknowledged, the sexual abuse of minors long ago has brought shame upon our Church. I once again ask forgiveness for the failing of those who betrayed the trust placed in them by failing to provide for the safety of our young people."
Civil litigation against the archdiocese is due to come to trial next year, with claims dating from 1952 to 2020.
Attorney Jeff Anderson, who represents around 300 of the accusers, said settlements would come with full disclosure of wrongdoing and measures to prevent future abuse, according to Reuters.
The archdiocese has laid off staff, put real estate assets up for sale and is cutting costs by ten per cent, in order to raise $300 million for victims.
A retired judge will act as a neutral mediator to negotiate the settlements.