BY JAY TOKAS

News Staff Reporter

The Buffalo Diocese's first reorganization plan, filed late Wednesday in federal bankruptcy court, contained no major surprises but marked a key milestone in the diocese's efforts to exit Chapter 11 proceedings.

The reorganization plan and disclosure statement reiterated the diocese's intention to settle 891 sex abuse claims with $150 million in diocese, parish and Catholic affiliate entity funds. In addition, three settling insurers have agreed to pay $123.9 million, bringing the total amount of a settlement fund for abuse claimants to $273.9 million.

"Since becoming bishop nearly five years ago, I have continued to assert that we have no higher priority than to work toward the healing of those who have been harmed spiritually, mentally and physically

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