from the article: 52-year period, some 4,400 priests were accused of molestation
Guilty or not, we all know insurers will settle out of court, just because it is often more expedient than a protracted court battle.
Considering the millions of dollars ROME has paid out recently after actually being found guilty of such, I think you would know that.
Consider how your taxes would go up if your local school district were not protected by sovereign immunity. As a former teacher, I think the ap study is right on the mark. The fact is the Catholic Church is a target for claims lawyers. They can depend on the non-Catholic majority’s deep-rooted antipathy toward clerical celibacy.
If you read the article linked above, you know the biggest problem in tracking down those Protestant ministers involved in sex abuse stems from a lack of central authority. You go right ahead and continue to support these predators while lambasting the "accused" priests.
You no doubt can produce verifiable documentation detailing your assertion what "ROME has paid out recently after actually being found guilty of such" as opposed to what individual DIOCESES have paid out.