Archbishop Aymond: What I heard today was heart wrenching.

Following a full day of emotional court testimony from abuse survivors in the Archdiocese of New Orleans Chapter 11 Reorganization case, Archbishop Aymond spoke to reporters outside of the courtroom. Below are excerpts of the Archbishop's responses to reporter questions. His comments came after hearing the sworn testimony of survivors who detailed their abuse and the life-long effects it has had on their lives.

"What I heard today was heart wrenching. It was horrific," said Archbishop Aymond. "It also told me very clearly the amount of pain that people have been through. My heart really does go out to them. There’s a phrase that sometimes we say, “I know how you feel,” but no one knows how they feel. The people that we heard today. No one knows that and it really was heart wrenching to listen and also to recognize that what has happened is evil. There’s no way we can make excuses, there’s no way we can do anything other than say “sorry” and to pray for them. But, it really is evil especially for men who say that they are dedicated to the Lord and dedicated to the Church."

When asked by Aubry Killion of WDSU how people can move forward, Archbishop Aymond responded: "Certainly, counseling and spiritual direction. I think what was done today was therapeutic—not that that solves everything, not that that brings about healing—but it begins and I think most of the people here today have begun the process of healing. But it’s certainly not finished and it’s going to take a lot of continued counseling and spiritual direction in order for them to do that. And also, I am willing to meet with any of these people individually and I have said that consistently. I’ve been told in the last five years, that if someone has legal counsel, then I could not talk to them, and so that’s why people were saying that they haven’t talked to me or they haven’t heard from me. That’s why. But people know and I’ve said publicly that I am willing to meet with anybody. And in February, the beginning of February, I will be going around to 10 different locations in the Archdiocese to meet with people individually and to listen to them."

David Hammer of WWL-TV asked the archbishop about his concerns over how he has been portrayed. The archbishop responded quickly and emotionally.

"If there’s any way in which I have not been responsive or not been caring or empathetic to people—if there is any way in which I have not done that—I’m sorry," said Archbishop Aymond. "I’m not aware of that. That’s not part of who I am. And so if that’s the case, I apologize for that. I also apologize for the Church. I’m embarrassed by what has happened in the Church and I love the Church and I’ve tried to be a good Shepherd and so I’m embarrassed by that."

Closing arguments in the archdiocesan bankruptcy case are set for tomorrow, Thursday, December 4, 2025.