A Note from the Official Committee

The Committee appointed in the Diocese of Syracuse bankruptcy case to advocate on behalf of survivors has noted the election of a new leader of the Catholic Church, Pope Leo XIV. This has raised concerns among some regarding his commitment to the prevention and investigation of sexual abuse in the Catholic Church. This article summarizes those concerns. The Committee wishes to acknowledge those concerns and share that it is fully committed to its work in this case to both achieve a financial settlement for survivors and the adoption of policies that will end sexual abuse within the Catholic Church.

5-16-2025 Update on Confirmation

At the request of the Committee and the Diocese, the Court has adjourned the confirmation hearing to June 2, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. ET. The adjournment will allow the Committee and Diocese to continue working with the parties opposing confirmation in an effort to achieve a global resolution and conclude the bankruptcy case with finality. The Committee will continue to post updates as they become available.

Message from the Survivors’ Committee

Dear Survivors, those supporting Survivors, and others interested in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Syracuse bankruptcy case:

On behalf of the Official Committee of Unsecured Creditors (the “Survivors’ Committee”), welcome to the Syracuse Survivors’ webpage. We, the Survivors Committee, were appointed by the US Trustee’s Office to advocate on behalf of all Survivors of abuse within the Diocese of Syracuse. The Survivors Committee is made up of seven Survivors of abuse related to this Diocese, whom represent a diversity of ages and genders. As Survivors ourselves, we understand the pain and trauma that other Survivors may be experiencing during this bankruptcy case. We understand that each Survivors’ journey is unique, and we empathize with each one of you as we navigate and process the trauma we have all experienced. Whether you are just beginning that journey or have been on it for many years, we are with you. We have designed this website to help with the questions you may have about the bankruptcy case.

This website provides the following information regarding the bankruptcy case of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Syracuse:

Overview of the bankruptcy process
Diocesan Bankruptcy frequently asked questions (FAQ)
News feed detailing case events and the Survivors’ Committee’s activities
Mental health resources for Survivors

The website will be regularly updated over the course of the case. The Survivors’ Committee hopes Survivors find this information useful, and encourage any Survivors with questions to contact their personal attorneys or the Survivors’ Committee’s bankruptcy counsel, Stinson LLP. To contact Stinson LLP, you may email syracusesurvivorteam@stinson.com

April 28 Confirmation Hearing Update

In advance of the confirmation hearing scheduled for 4/28/25, the Committee achieved several settlements with the insurance companies that were opposing the plan. At this time, the total amount of the insurance settlements is approximately $61 million. Along with the Diocese’s and parishes’ contributions, the total amount the Trust will be funded by at this time is approximately $161 million.

At the confirmation hearing, the Diocese and Committee presented their affirmative case and asked the Court to reserve ruling until 5/14 so that it could continue to work toward a resolution with non-settling insurance company Travelers and to resolve the United States Trustee’s objection to confirmation.

The Committee is hopeful that those issues can be resolved by 5/14 so that the plan can be confirmed as soon as possible. An update will be posted to this website after the 5/14 hearing.

Survivor Impact Statements Recently Made to Court

On April 22, 2025, fifteen Survivors presented their impact statements at a hearing before the Bankruptcy Court. In addition, the written statements submitted by nine Survivors were read to the Court. Bishop Douglas J. Lucia and other Diocese representatives were also present to hear the impact statements. The Committee is grateful to the brave Survivors who shared the truth about their abuse and its effect on their lives. The Committee is also hopeful that the impact statements will increase understanding regarding the tremendous pain and challenges Survivors endured and continue to endure as a result of their difficult experiences.