ROCHESTER (NY)
WHAM-TV, Ch. 13 [Rochester NY]
September 5, 2025
By Steven Pappas
Rochester, N.Y. (WHAM) — A bankruptcy judge has approved a $246 million settlement plan between survivors of sexual abuse and the Roman Catholic Diocese of Rochester, marking the end of a nearly six-year legal battle.
Carol DuPré, a 78-year-old survivor, expressed relief as the settlement was finalized.
“When it was over, we just, we just hugged people we didn’t know, because we knew that they’d been through the same thing we’d been through,” said DuPré.
The settlement involves more than 500 survivors, with many cases dating back decades. They emerged under the Child Victims Act, which allowed survivors to pursue legal action despite the statute of limitations having passed.
DuPré said the confirmation of the settlement provides closure for survivors.
“I think that that’s more harmful sometimes than people realize, that you go back and you relive it, the meetings or the things on TV,” she said. “They’re triggers for so many people, and I’m I hope that this will make some of those triggers get quieter and quieter, so that they’re not triggered anymore. And they can say that was something that I was a part of, but it’s behind me now.”
Attorney Mitchell Garabedian, who represented dozens of victims, praised the bravery of the survivors.
“You are not alone,” he said. “Stand up, be proud. And the best revenge is to lead a good, healthy life. And you can see this through to the end. The determination shown by the survivors in the Diocese of Rochester is a great inspiration to survivors everywhere in the world.”
MORE: Rochester’s Catholic diocese reaches $246 million settlement in clergy abuse case | Spencerport woman claiming abuse by priest shares her struggle
BACKGROUND: Rochester Catholic diocese abuse survivors accept $246 million settlement | More than 500 sex abuse claims filed against Diocese of Rochester
Bishop Salvatore Matano of the Diocese of Rochester released a letter expressing hope for peace and healing.
“I ardently pray that this conclusion will bring to the survivors, and to our diocesan family, peace, healing, tranquility, and, please God, a renewed restoration of faith in Jesus Christ, who never abandons us.”
The Bishop also stated his willingness to meet with survivors to offer personal support.
(Document provided by the Diocese of Rochester)
Click here to view the PDF file.
DuPré acknowledged that while the settlement money won’t erase the abuse, being heard allows her to move forward.
“Even the judge acknowledged that,” she said. “He said the money isn’t gonna help you, but you need to know that you were listened to and your story was believed. And I’m hoping that will help people move on… because I wanna move on,” she said.
Payments to victims are expected within the next several months, with the funds being paid by the Diocese and insurers.