Winona-Rochester Diocese Settles Abuse Claims for $30M

The Diocese of Winona-Rochester has reached a $30 million settlement with United States Fire Insurance Company, resolving litigation over the insurer’s coverage of clergy sexual-abuse claims and affecting more than 145 survivors. U.S. Fire was excluded from a separate $28 million settlement reached in 2021 with the diocese, affiliated parishes and schools, and two other insurers. The agreement followed three 2025 jury verdicts involving abuse allegations at Lourdes High School in Rochester and St. Mary’s Parish and School in Winona, which awarded plaintiffs $7.6 million, $4.8 million and $4.5 million. Under the diocese’s bankruptcy plan, the new settlement will fund payments to survivors through bankruptcy proceedings, though individual payments will not necessarily match the verdict amounts. Diocesan officials said the settlement concludes litigation connected to the bankruptcy and called for continued healing and pastoral support for those affected.