Central News Agency (CNA Los Angeles, 29th, Combined Wires) The Catholic Archdiocese of San Francisco announced today that it has reached a settlement with more than 500 victims who accused clergy members of sexual abuse, with the settlement amount reaching $395 million (approximately NT$12.6 billion). Many victims were minors at the time of the abuse. According to Agence France-Presse, many cases date back decades and were originally beyond the statute of limitations. However, California passed a law that provided claimants an additional three-year window from early 2020 to the end of 2022 to file related accusations. The settlement agreement still requires approval from victim groups and the court. The Archdiocese has also agreed to promote a reform plan containing 14 measures, some of which aim to protect children from sexual abuse by clergy. This settlement is the latest case in recent decades where the Catholic Church has paid compensation for clergy sexually abusing minors. According to the agreement released today, the Archdiocese of San Francisco will be required to hand over internal church records to an independent consultant to compile a report on the sexual abuse incidents that have occurred. Jeff Anderson, a lawyer representing many victims, stated that the report will be published on the Archdiocese's official website. In a statement, Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone of San Francisco said, "We believe this proposal offers a path to fair compensation for survivors who have carried the burden of abuse throughout their lives." He added, "We take full responsibility for everything that has happened and offer our sincere apologies to all those who have been harmed." One of the victims, Margie O'Driscoll, said she was sexually abused at a Catholic high school over 50 years ago. She said at a press conference, "Like every survivor, I have carried this pain and shame for a very, very long time, like dragging a heavy ball and chain." She continued, "I want to sa