Franciscan Friars sexual abuse settlement overview:
- Who: The Franciscan Friars of California and affiliated ministries agreed to a $20 million settlement with 94 individuals who allegedly experienced sexual abuse.
- Why: The settlement resolves claims filed by individuals who alleged they were sexually abused by friars over several decades.
- Where: The agreement was reached as part of Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings in California.
- How to get help: If you or your child experienced sexual abuse as a minor in California by an individual connected to an organization, you may be eligible to file a sexual abuse lawsuit.
The Franciscan Friars of California have agreed to pay $20 million to resolve sexual abuse claims brought by 94 individuals as part of the religious order’s Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings.
The settlement comes two years after the Oakland-based order filed for bankruptcy amid mounting litigation related to decades of alleged abuse within its ministries, including Old Mission Santa Barbara and the now-closed St. Anthony’s Seminary.
According to a media report, approximately half of the 94 plaintiffs had ties to Santa Barbara. The alleged abuse dates back to the 1940s, with the most recent incidents occurring in the late 1990s.
“This was an important piece of the puzzle,” Santa Barbara attorney Tim Hale said of the agreement. “It was a really positive step in the right direction. But it ain’t over.”
The settlement was reached after 13 months of mediation involving roughly 15 parties and was secured by national law firm Lowenstein Sandler. The $20 million will be funded by the Franciscans, affiliated ministries and proceeds from insurance settlements, according to a media report.
Franciscan bankruptcy followed wave of sexual abuse lawsuits
The raft of lawsuits against the order was sparked by a California law that temporarily lifted the statute of limitations for childhood sexual abuse claims. Facing significant financial exposure, the Franciscans filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in January 2024.
Court records cited in the report show that before filing for bankruptcy, the order transferred at least $7 million to affiliated retreat centers and ministries, including $1 million to Old Mission Santa Barbara. A forensic investigation later determined the transfers were fraudulent and the funds were recovered during mediation.
The Franciscans have identified more than 50 friars accused of sexually abusing children in their ministries since 1950. Approximately 26 of those friars were assigned at some point to Santa Barbara institutions, often after allegations of abuse elsewhere, according to the report.
In public statements, the Franciscans said most of the accused friars have died. Of the six who remain alive, all have been removed from public ministry and are reportedly living under strict third-party supervision.
Additional restitution may still be forthcoming as related litigation continues.
The Franciscan Friars sexual abuse settlement was reached through Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings involving the Franciscan Friars of California.
What do you think of the Franciscan Friars’ $20 million settlement? Let us know in the comments.
Don’t Miss Out!
Check out our list of Class Action Lawsuits and Class Action Settlements you may qualify to join!
Read About More Class Action Lawsuits & Class Action Settlements:
Legal help for mental harm caused by social media addiction in young users
February 20, 2026 | social media
