Wave of child sex abuse claims could bankrupt San Diego diocese

Hundreds of lawsuits alleging abuse by priests and others in the diocese have come to light after California lifted statute of limitation

The Roman Catholic Diocese of San Diego has said it may declare bankruptcy in the coming months as it faces staggering" legal costs in dealing with some 400 lawsuits alleging priests and others in the diocese sexually abused children.

In a letter that was expected to be shared with parishioners this weekend, Bishop Robert McElroy said the cases were filed after California lifted a statute of limitations on childhood sexual abuse claims.