FORT WORTH (AP) - The Catholic Diocese of Fort Worth has reached a settlement with six women who accused a Roman Catholic priest of sexual abuse while he served at churches in Arlington and Bedford.

The Fort Worth Catholic Diocese was a defendant in the case, along with the Rev. Joseph Tu, also known as Joseph Ngoc Tu Nguyen.

The diocese says the victims asked them not to disclose Thursday’s settlement amount.

Bishop Kevin Vann told the women he is “deeply sorry” for any sexual abuse they may have suffered and prays they find healing.

The bishop says he wants the Diocese’s child protection policies followed so future tragedies can be prevented.

Tu is accused of abusing the plaintiffs when they were girls or in their late teens. Tu previously denied wrongdoing.

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