LISBON, March 26 (Reuters) - Portugal's Catholic Church said on Thursday it would pay a combined 1.6 million euros ($1.85 million) in compensation to 57 victims of sexual abuse by the clergy. A Church
Portugal Catholic Church to Pay $1.85M Compensation to Abuse Victims
Church Compensation for Sexual Abuse Victims
LISBON, March 26 (Reuters) - Portugal's Catholic Church said on Thursday it would pay a combined 1.6 million euros ($1.85 million) in compensation to 57 victims of sexual abuse by the clergy.
Findings of the Abuse Commission
A Church-funded commission found in February 2023 that at least 4,815 children and vulnerable adults in Portugal were sexually abused by the Catholic clergy, mostly priests, over the past 70 years.
Church Response and Apology
"Financial compensation does not erase what happened or undo the consequences of abuse in the lives of those affected... We renew our apology for all the harm caused," the Portuguese Bishops' Conference (CEP) said in a statement.
Compensation Requests and Eligibility
CEP said only 95 people requested compensation during the submission period, with 67 eligible and the remainder dismissed for failing to meet requirements or attend the commission.
Approved and Pending Claims
The CEP said 57 compensation claims had already been approved, with payments ranging from 9,000 euros to 45,000 euros per person.
Nine other claims are still undergoing final review to determine the amount of compensation, it said.
Exchange Rate and Reporting Credits
($1 = 0.8666 euros)
(Reporting by Sergio Goncalves; editing by Charlie Devereux)
