Missouri diocese settles abuse suits

KANSAS CITY, Mo., Aug. 20 (UPI) -- A tentative settlement has been reached between the Roman Catholic diocese of Kansas City, Mo., and 47 people who claim they were molested by priests.

Under the agreement announced late Tuesday, the victims would receive a total of about $10 million, The Kansas City Star reports.

If the settlement is approved by Bishop Robert Finn and other church officials, it would settle lawsuits filed over abuses that allegedly occurred in Jackson County, Mo., from the 1950s to the 1980s, lawyers said.

The diocese also agreed to take additional measures to prevent priests from sexually abusing their parishioners, the Star said.

"Based on advice from legal counsel and on prayerful reflection over this most difficult matter, I believe that this settlement, while costly, is a responsible resolution for these individuals and their families and in the best interest of the diocese," Finn said in a letter to priests in the diocese.