S.D. Diocese Declares Bankruptcy

KPBS | By KPBS Public Broadcasting

Published February 28, 2007 at 3:30 PM PST

This story was published more than 17 years ago.

The Roman Catholic Diocese of San Diego filed for Chapter 11 reorganization yesterday. The bankruptcy move was in response to more than 150 lawsuits alleging sexual abuse by priests. KPBS reporter Ami

The Roman Catholic Diocese of San Diego filed for Chapter 11 reorganization yesterday. The bankruptcy move was in response to more than 150 lawsuits alleging sexual abuse by priests. The diocese faced claims that could exceed $200 million. Trials in those cases were to begin today.

In a statement, Brom said the diocese didn't settle with victims because "demands were made which exceeded the financial resources of both the diocese and our insurance carrier."

Brom also said the diocese didn't go to trial because of concerns that early verdicts "could so deplete diocesan and insurance resources that there would be nothing left for other victims."

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And there was this announcement from Brom: "We will be disclosing the names of those accused, about whom there is certitude regarding their abuse."

KPBS reporter Amita Sharma provides an overview.

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Amita Sharma , KPBS News