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People who experienced sexual abuse by church officials have voiced fresh optimism following their initial meeting with Pope Leo at the Vatican.

The board president, who leads Ending Clergy Abuse, commented that the pontiff's decision to engage with them so early in his papacy sent a strong message about his dedication to addressing the problem.

Global Strict Approach Pushed

The organization is advocating for a global zero-tolerance policy that would defrock any clergy member who admits to or is proven of 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 initiative, according to Hickey.

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

Legacy Challenge

The new Pope, who assumed the role in spring, has inherited this persistent problem that has haunted the Catholic Church for decades.

Previous efforts to address the problem included an unprecedented meeting on child abuse within the Church and changes to church laws to clearly outlaw abuse.

Personal Connection

For the representative, who prefers they/them pronouns, the campaign for worldwide adoption of the policy is deeply meaningful. The Canadian activist shared they were victimized by a clergy member who was subsequently moved between different parishes.

"We trust this will set the tone for his leadership, because we want to collaborate with him," Hickey stated. "Both sides share the common objective, we want to end clergy abuse."

Significant Encounter

Multiple members of the coalition, which represents survivors and supporters from over thirty nations, engaged with the Pope in his Vatican office.

The discussion, originally scheduled for a brief period, extended to a full hour, during which the Pope "mostly listened to us," according to the representative.

The pontiff was characterized as "quite empathetic" when hearing the account of a woman abused at a church-run institution for native youth in Canada.

They added the leader was "tender" about their personal experience and seemed "very humble, humorous, and very down to earth."

"Victims have consistently sought a voice in discussions and I didn't feel like he was giving us lip service," Hickey stated. "I felt like he was genuine, realistic, and very open and keen to collaborate with us."

Canon Law Changes

The organization is hoping that changes to church regulations will enable the implementation of the zero-tolerance policy globally.

They have spoken with experts and compiled materials that they plan to present to the pontiff.

"He seemed interested in reviewing it," Hickey remarked.

Accountability Emphasized

A recently released Vatican-commissioned report highlighted the "importance of a streamlined protocol for the resignation and/or dismissal of religious officials or personnel in cases of abuse or failure to act."

The report also noted that survivors consistently emphasized the "urgent need for church leaders and major superiors to be made responsible for inaction and cover-up."

Moving Forward

Hickey revealed they told the Pope at the beginning of their meeting: "This is as much a challenge for him to participate in a conversation as it was for us."

Following the meeting, they voiced hope for future change.

"We understand it's not something that's going to happen overnight, but at the end of the day, uniting and building a connection and continuing to build that bond is a step in the correct path," Hickey stated.

Hickey added that they shared with the pontiff: "Even though it's a dark chapter, I feel like we can alter how the narrative ends - he valued that."