MINNEAPOLIS — The interim archbishop of the St. Paul and Minneapolis archdiocese calls the number of clergy abuse claimants is “staggering.”

Archbishop Bernard Hebda commented following the deadline for filing claims against the archdiocese. A total of 669 claims were filed in U.S. Bankruptcy Court, including those by 407 victims. Other claims were filed by creditors, individuals and parishes seeking indemnification against abuse allegations.

The Star Tribune reports Hebda says the number of claims has helped him realize the extent of the victims’ pain and that he should not underestimate that.

Hebda says the archdiocese is “working hard” to find assets to cover the claims. The archdiocese will begin working with the victims’ committee, insurance companies and others to review the claims.