The number of abuse allegations against Catholic clergy rose slightly in 2025 while settlement costs surged to nearly $390 million, according to an annual report released May 27 by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB).
The report, the 23rd issued since the USCCB adopted the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People in 2002, found 1,070 allegations reported by 973 victim-survivors across 194 Catholic dioceses and eparchies. Dioceses and eparchies reported about $389.9 million in costs related to abuse allegations between July 1, 2024, and June 30, 2025, including payouts for allegations from previous years.
Archbishop Paul Coakley of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, president of the USCCB, said the report "stands as evidence that the Church not only continues to prevent child sexual abuse and reconcile with past victims but also ensures that audits serve as effective tools for accountability and prevention."
The report also marked a milestone in the Church’s safeguarding efforts. By the end of 2025, all 196 U.S. dioceses and eparchies had participated in at least one on-site audit, the first time full participation has been achieved since the charter's inception.
A separate survey conducted by the Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate at Georgetown University examined 117 credible allegations classified during the 2025 fiscal year. Among victims whose gender was known, 87% were male. Of victims whose age at the time the abuse began was known, 28% reported it started at age 9 or younger, while 52% said it began between ages 10 and 14.
The report identified 704 accused priests, including 552 diocesan priests, 120 members of religious orders, and 32 priests incardinated elsewhere. Fourteen deacons were also accused during the audit period.
Archbishop Coakley said he hopes the church remains "vigilant and committed to the work needed to prevent the evil of child sexual abuse — not only in the Church, but in society."
The archbishop also directed a message in the report directly to survivors: "The abuse was not your fault. No one had a right to hurt you. Your voice is heard, it is healing for you and others. It is actively reshaping our Church."