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Individuals who experienced abuse by Catholic clergy have expressed fresh optimism following their first meeting with Pope Leo at the Holy See.

Gemma Hickey, heading Ending Clergy Abuse, stated that the pontiff's decision to engage with them so early in his papacy sent a strong message about his dedication to tackling the problem.

Global Strict Policy Advocated

The group is pushing for a worldwide zero-tolerance policy that would defrock any priest who admits to or is found guilty of sexually abusing a child. This approach has been implemented in the US.

The Pope recognized that there is "opposition in some parts of the globe" to this proposal, according to Hickey.

"We were all being realistic when we acknowledged that there is resistance," they remarked.

Legacy Challenge

The new Pope, who assumed the position in spring, has taken on this longstanding issue that has plagued the Church for decades.

Previous efforts to resolve the situation included an historic summit on child abuse within the Church and revisions to church laws to clearly outlaw abuse.

Personal Connection

For the representative, who uses they/them pronouns, the drive for worldwide adoption of the measure is deeply meaningful. The Canadian advocate revealed they were abused by a clergy member who was subsequently transferred between different parishes.

"We trust this will establish the direction for his leadership, because we aim to work with him," they expressed. "Both sides share the same goal, we want to eliminate clergy abuse."

Historic Meeting

Seven members of the organization, which includes survivors and supporters from over thirty countries, met with the Pope in his official residence.

The discussion, initially planned for 20 minutes, extended to a full hour, during which the religious leader "mostly listened to us," according to the representative.

The Pope was described as "very understanding" when listening to the story of a woman abused at a church-run institution for Indigenous children in Canada.

Hickey added the Pope was "tender" about their personal experience and appeared "modest, humorous, and very down to earth."

"Survivors have long wanted a voice in discussions and I didn't perceive like he was making empty promises," they stated. "I believed like he was sincere, practical, and very open and eager to collaborate with us."

Canon Law Reforms

The organization is advocating that changes to canon law will facilitate the implementation of the zero-tolerance policy globally.

They have consulted experts and gathered materials that they will present to the pontiff.

"He appeared interested in looking at it," Hickey remarked.

Accountability Highlighted

A recent church-ordered document highlighted the "necessity of a efficient process for the stepping down and/or removal of religious officials or staff in cases of abuse or failure to act."

The document also noted that survivors repeatedly stressed the "urgent need for bishops and senior officials to be made responsible for inaction and cover-up."

Path Ahead

The representative shared they informed the Pope at the start of their discussion: "This represents as much a challenge for him to engage in a dialogue as it was for us."

Following the meeting, they voiced optimism for progress.

"We understand it's not something that's going to happen overnight, but at the conclusion, uniting and building a relationship and continuing to strengthen that relationship is a move in the correct path," they commented.

Hickey concluded that they told with Pope Leo: "Even though it's a dark chapter, I feel like we can change how the story concludes - he appreciated that."