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Settlement eyed in R.I. priest cases

By Sacha Pfeiffer, Globe Staff, 3/29/2002

awyers for both the Diocese of Providence and 38 alleged victims of sexual abuse by Rhode Island priests confirmed yesterday that they met this week with a judge to discuss a settlement of the decade-old case.

Additional meetings will be held to continue settlement talks, the attorneys said.

The Globe reported this month that the alleged victims have been waiting for up to 10 years to settle lawsuits against 11 priests and a nun. The suits have dragged on for so long that four of the priests have died.

''I'm happy that negotiations have started,'' said Providence lawyer Timothy J. Conlon, the lead attorney in the case.

In a statement issued yesterday, the diocese said negotiations are underway ''to discuss a manner to resolve the pending lawsuits.''

This story ran on page A25 of the Boston Globe on 3/29/2002.
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