Portugal’s Catholic Church to pay €1.6 million to sexual abuse victims

Portugal’s Catholic Church announced on March 26 that it would pay a total of €1.6 million in compensation to 57 victims of sexual abuse by clergy.

A Church-funded commission found in February 2023 that at least 4,815 children and vulnerable adults in Portugal had been sexually abused by members of the Catholic clergy, mostly priests, over the past 70 years, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

"Financial compensation does not erase what happened or undo the consequences of abuse in the lives of those affected... We renew our apology for all the harm caused," the Portuguese Bishops' Conference (CEP) said in a statement.

The CEP said only 95 people applied for compensation during the submission period, with 67 deemed eligible and the remainder dismissed for failing to meet requirements or attend the commission. Of those, 57 claims have already been approved, with payments ranging from €9,000 to €45,000 per person. Nine other claims are still under final review to determine the amount of compensation.

By Sabina Mammadli