Bishop Salvatore R. Matano of Rochester, N.Y., is pictured in a 2019 photo speaking during a news conference at the pastoral center in Rochester. On Sept. 5, 2025, U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Paul R. Warren signed an order confirming the Eighth Amended Joint Plan for Chapter 11 Reorganization of the Diocese of Rochester. The judge's action closes the bankruptcy case and establishes a $256.35 million settlement fund for abuse survivors. (OSV News / Catholic Courier / Jeff Witherow)
by OSV News
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"Thank you, Lord!" a gentleman in the gallery blurted out as U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Paul R. Warren announced he was putting pen to paper Sept. 5 to sign an order confirming the Eighth Amended Joint Plan for Chapter 11 Reorganization of the Diocese of Rochester.
After five years and 50 weeks, the judge's action closes the bankruptcy case and establishes a $256.35 million settlement fund for abuse survivors.
In a written statement issued just after the plan was confirmed, Bishop Salvatore R. Matano expressed his concern for abuse survivors, noting that "years of waiting (for resolution of the case) have added to the suffering and pain of those sexually abused and whose trust was betrayed."
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"With profound sadness, I apologize to the survivors, the victims of such sinful and tragic acts for which they were not responsible. The Diocese has accepted responsibility for the damage caused by abuse," the bishop continued. "I ardently pray that this conclusion will bring to the survivors, and to our Diocesan family, peace, healing tranquility, and, please God, a renewed restoration of faith in Jesus Christ."
Of the settlement amount, $55 million will be funded by contributions from the Diocese of Rochester and its affiliated entities and the remaining amount will be funded by insurers.
