The lawyer for the 23 plaintiffs suing the Archdiocese of Miami over alleged sexual abuse announced Wednesday that the archdiocese has agreed to pay $3.4 million to settle the suits. The plaintiffs' attorney, Jeffrey Herman, called the settlements ranging from $75,000 to $500,000, "long overdue vindication and validation for the victims."

Spokespersons for the church said Archbishop John C. Favalora has not announced the fate of priests on administrative leave, noting that the settlements are not an admission of guilt, but only a conclusion to the events which will allow the victims to heal. AP has more. Click here [PDF] to read the archdiocese's policy and procedures for protecting children and vulnerable adults.