Diocese record · New York

Diocese of Rochester

After nearly six years in bankruptcy, the western New York diocese’s $246.35 million settlement for about 500 abuse survivors was approved in September 2025 — averaging roughly $500,000 per survivor.

People's Justice Accountability DeskFacts verified Jul 12, 20263 sources

Filing window status

New York’s Child Victims Act lookback window has closed, and the diocese’s bankruptcy resolved the claims filed against it. If you were harmed and have not yet come forward, deadlines and exceptions vary — a free, confidential review can explain what options remain.

Deadlines are state-specific and change often. Even if you think a window has passed, it is worth confirming — exceptions can apply. A free, confidential review can tell you where you stand.

The record

Key Facts

Fact 01

$246.35 million total settlement

Source: U.S. Bankruptcy Court, WDNY — approved Sept. 5, 2025

Fact 02

~500 survivors compensated

Source: WXXI / Rochester Beacon, 2025

Fact 03

~$500,000 average per survivor

Source: Catholic World Report, Sept. 2025

Fact 04

$120M single-insurer payment (CNA)

Source: Rochester Beacon, Sept. 2025

What is documented

The Allegations

Approximately 500 survivors brought claims of childhood sexual abuse by clergy and diocesan personnel. The diocese filed for bankruptcy in September 2019, the first in New York to do so after the Child Victims Act took effect.

The full account

The Record

The Diocese of Rochester was the first New York diocese to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy after the state’s Child Victims Act opened a window for previously time-barred claims, filing in September 2019.

On September 5, 2025, U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Paul R. Warren approved a $246.35 million settlement between the diocese and approximately 500 survivors. Survivors had voted nearly unanimously to accept it. Of the total, $55 million came from the diocese and affiliated entities and the remainder from insurers — including a $120 million contribution from Continental Insurance Co. (CNA), described by survivors’ attorneys as the largest insurer payment in the recent wave of diocesan bankruptcies.

The settlement averages roughly $500,000 per survivor.

Sources & attribution

Sources Cited

3 sources

Related investigation

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