NEW ORLEANS — In a major step toward transparency stemming from its bankruptcy reorganization, the Archdiocese of New Orleans released an updated list of clergy accused of child sexual abuse and announced plans to make internal abuse records public through Louisiana State University.

In a letter issued Friday, Archbishop James F. Checchio confirmed that the archdiocese has concluded internal reviews of claims submitted during Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings. The updated public list includes deceased archdiocesan clergy where allegations were determined to have sufficient evidence, alongside priests never formally assigned to New Orleans but accused of abuse within the archdiocese during bankruptcy claims.

"We cannot undo the actions of the past, as much as I wish we could, and the only way forward is to be truthful about the offenses and errors of the past, as horrific as they were," Checchio wrote. "We cannot be afraid of the truth and must work towards a process of both accountability and healing."

Checchio emphasized that no clergyman facing a credible claim of abuse currently remains in ministry and stated that all incoming allegations are immediately referred to civil law enforcement.

As part of its court-approved bankruptcy settlement, the archdiocese is preparing to release an "Archive of Eligible Files," which will be published online through an agreement with Louisiana State University.

The public repository will house records for all individuals appearing on the archdiocese's published list of accused clergy and the records of any individual named as an alleged perpetrator in three or more child sexual abuse Proofs of Claim filed during the bankruptcy, released without an archdiocesan determination of credibility.

A formal launch date for the university-hosted archive has not yet been set, though archdiocesan officials confirmed a direct link will be added to its website once the database goes live.

"My heart is heavy as I make these announcements today," Checchio said, extending his prayers to abuse survivors, parishioners and clergy navigating the fallout. "We need to follow the path of truth, wherever it may lead, and together ensure that the crimes and sins of child sexual abuse nor any crimes would be kept secret or repeated."