The Catholic Church in Luxembourg is to provide financial compensation of up to 5,000 euros to 24 sexual abuse victims.

Altogether 29 abuse claims of paedophilia by church affiliated individuals were lodged, of which 20 concerned men and nine were women. Five claims were ruled not to amount to sexual abuse.

The figure was decided in February for victims seeking compensation for the suffering they have endured. According to the church, in principle, all compensation should be paid by the person who committed the crime. “If, for whatever reason this person refuses to accept responsibility, the church will compensate the victims by up to 5,000 euros,” the church said.

The Catholic Church has already agreed to donate 50,000 euros to the Centro de Ação Comunitária esperança do Futuro, a project helping disadvantaged children and teenagers in the Morro São Carlos slum in Rio de Janeiro.