The National Catholic Register reports on December 19, 2025, that Edward Scharfenberger, retired “bishop” of Albany, filed for Chapter 13 bankruptcy protection following a $54.2 million civil judgment against him and other officials for the collapse of the St. Clare’s Hospital pension fund. A jury found Scharfenberger 10% liable for leaving 1,100 retirees without promised benefits. The Diocese of Albany, which filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2023 over abuse lawsuits, was absolved of liability. Scharfenberger’s filing lists debts up to $10 million against assets under $500,000. His successor, Mark O’Connell, stated the diocese “cannot pay a billion dollars” and that bankruptcy mediators would determine “what’s fair” for creditors. The report exemplifies the conciliar sect’s disintegration into financial and moral insolvency.