Colorado Citizens Sexually Abused By Catholic Priests Paid $7.3 Million To Settle Case

The Roman Catholic Church has shelled out $7.3 million in the settlement -- which comes after a 22-month-long investigation -- to over 70 individuals who underwent sexual trauma in the hands of priests during their stay in Colorado parishes.

The workings of the church had been shrouded in mystery after being embroiled in sexual misconduct controversies in the past. The authorities on Tuesday maintained that talks of a settlement came through after Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser announced the same soon after a victim's compensation fund was set up.

A detailed probe into the matter in the past year alone has uncovered 46 fresh cases. Among the priests to have fallen from grace was Monsignor Charles Woodrich – a well-known pastor whose contributions to Denver’s homeless community have been widely acclaimed. Father Woody, a former editor of Denver's archdiocesan newspaper 1991, found himself to be in the eye of a storm after allegations of him sexually assaulting three teenage boys came to the fore.

As per a recent report, the state attorney general's inquiry documented a total of 212 cases of abuse involving 52 clergymen; 71 victims received cash payments. The cases date back to the 1950s.

“My sincerest hope is that this unique Colorado program has allowed survivors of sexual abuse by a priest to take one more step on the path to healing and recovery,” said Weiser.