BRIDGEPORT, Conn.  Bishop William Lori apologized to sexual abuse victims and asked for forgiveness as he announced a $21 million settlement with 40 people who said they were molested by priests.
The Associated Press reported the settlement is believed to be the third largest since the sex abuse scandal broke in Boston in 2002. It will be funded through insurance and the sale of surplus property, Lori said.
"Let me express my personal remorse and the remorse of the entire diocese for the harm that was caused in the lives of so many individuals," he said. "With all my heart I apologize and I ask for forgiveness."
The settlement involves 42 claims by 40 people who allege that 16 Diocese of Bridgeport priests abused them when they were children.
"This settlement represents vindications for all the survivors of clergy sex abuse and is an acknowledgement of their very personal ordeals," said Cindy Robinson, an attorney representing the victims.
The victims, many of whom came from devout families, suffered problems including depression, difficulties with relationships and even attempted suicides after their abuse, said Jason Tremont, another attorney for the victims.
