Judge approves $34M sex abuse settlement with New Ulm Diocese

A bankruptcy judge has approved a $34 million settlement between the Diocese of New Ulm. and nearly 100 people who say they were sexually abused by priests and others.

Bishop John LeVoir apologized to sexual abuse survivors during the hearing Tuesday.

The diocese serving Catholics in southern and west-central Minnesota also agreed to implement 17 child protection protocols. The diocese filed for bankruptcy protection three years ago. All 93 claimants have approved terms of the settlement.