The Roman Catholic Diocese of Brooklyn has announced a compensation program for survivors of past sexual abuse by priests.

The diocese oversees nearly 400 parishes and churches in Brooklyn and Queens. As part of the independent reconciliation and compensation program, church officials say loans will be taken out by the church to pay for the cost of compensating survivors.

Sexual abuse survivor Anthony Hughes says the program won't heal the wounds suffered by hundreds of people, but it can make a difference.

The program's funds administrator says this is one step the diocese is taking to recognize the harm caused to so many people.

Program administrators were expected to send information Thursday to more than 270 individuals who have reported sexual abuse over the years.