NEW ORLEANS -- The New Orleans Archdiocese will pay at least $230 million to hundreds of victims of clergy sexual abuse under a settlement approved Monday by a federal judge that follows years of negotiations.

Richard Trahant, an attorney representing victims in the case, and a spokesperson for the archdiocese confirmed approval of the settlement to The Associated Press by U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Meredith Grabill.

Archbishop Gregory Aymond, the head of the archdiocese, told reporters outside of a federal courthouse Monday that he's pleased "this is the end of this process" and hopes that survivors will "find some closure."

"We hope and pray that they will be able to not only receive what is given to them but they will know the healing of God's love," Aymond said.

Earlier this month, some

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