Kenneth A. Gavin, the chief communications officer for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, said in a statement that the archdiocese was not told about this abuse allegation until reached by the plaintiff’s lawyers in July 2019, at which point the archdiocese immediately reported the allegation to law enforcement.
“Monsignor Close died on March 6, 2018,” Gavin said. “Prior to his death, the archdiocese had no knowledge of this allegation.”
Gavin added: “The Archdiocese of Philadelphia acknowledges settlement in this matter and the resolution it brings.”
The archdiocese will not use any funds from the Catholic Charities Appeal, the Seminary Appeal, or other donor-designated funds in relation to this lawsuit or this settlement, according to the archdiocesan statement.
A statement from the Survivors Network of Those Abused by Priests commended the alleged victim for “his bravery in disclosing his suffering, seeking justice in court, and enduring a lengthy litigation process.” The name of the alleged victim has not been publicly disclosed.
“The size of this settlement reflects the overwhelming evidence that Catholic officials possess, revealing their repeated and callous disregard for the safety of children,” the statement read. “Fearing the exposure of incriminating information in court or in the public domain, they have resorted to compensating victims and their insurers have followed suit.”