Judge approves $10 million settlement in allegations of abuse involving former Boston priest

The Associated Press

BOSTON - A $10 million settlement between the Boston Archdiocese and 86 alleged victims of child-molesting priest John Geoghan won final approval yesterday, four months after the church backed out of a much costlier agreement.

A $10 million check from the archdiocese was given to the plaintiffs' attorney, Mitchell Garabedian.

The last obstacle to the settlement was removed when Superior Court Judge Constance Sweeney approved a request from a 17-year-old boy to participate in the deal.

Sweeney addressed the alleged victims who appeared in court, saying she wanted to acknowledge their pain and make clear that the settlement means that the court recognizes that Geoghan did what they say he did.

"I hope you are able to recognize in yourselves not just the hurt that was done to you but your own resilience, your courage," she said.

Donna Morrissey, a spokeswoman for the archdiocese, said the $10 million was paid entirely by the archdiocese's insurance.