06:09 PM MST on Monday, July 11, 2005

Arizona Daily Star

A federal bankruptcy judge has confirmed the reorganization plan of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Tucson.

Judge James M. Marlar said the plan met all the requirements of a federal Chapter 11 reorganization. He thanked all the lawyers involved for moving the case along so quickly. His decision means the bankruptcy is over except for a few minor details still to be worked out.

"I know what goes on behind the scenes. It's been wonderful to see the process work so well as it has in this particularly difficult case," he said.

Other details that emerged during the one-day confirmation hearing:

• The diocese earned $5.28 million on the sale of 83 properties in May, some $2 million more than expected. The real estate revenue will go toward a total settlement pool of $22.2 million that has been set aside for people with valid claims connected to sexual abuse of children by clergy.

• Diocesan bankruptcy attorney Susan Boswell told Marlar that the diocese recently had reached agreements with insurance companies and the total insurance contribution to the settlement pool now is $14.8 million.

The diocese filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection Sept. 20 in the face of 22 lawsuits alleging sexual abuse of children by clergy.

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©The Arizona Daily Star, 2005