The Roman Catholic Diocese of San Diego announced Friday that it may have to file for bankruptcy.
In a letter being sent to the nearly 1.5 million parishioners in the diocese, Cardinal Robert McElroy says bankruptcy may be necessary in order "to provide a pathway for ensuring that the assets of the diocese will be used equitably to compensate all victims of sexual abuse." The letter said "the diocese may be facing a moment where the diocese enters into bankruptcy in the coming months."
A spokesman for the diocese said at a news conference that about 400 legal claims were filed by alleged victims who said they were sexual abused by priests and other church members. The earliest claim dates to 1945, with most of the events allegedly taking place 50-75 years ago. Kevin Eckery, communications director for the diocese says it would cost the diocese $550 million to settle the current cases.
The financial situation stems from the passage of Assembly Bill 218 in California, which took effect at the start of the year. AB 218 lifted the statute of limitations for any lawsuits claiming sexual abuse of minors filed between Jan. 1, 2020, and Dec. 31, 2022, according to the diocese.
(Photo reporting partner 10News)