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Individuals who endured sexual abuse by Catholic clergy have expressed fresh optimism after their initial meeting with Pope Leo at the Vatican.

The board president, heading the anti-abuse organization, commented that the pontiff's choice to meet with them so early in his papacy sent a strong message about his dedication to tackling the problem.

Global Zero-Tolerance Policy Advocated

The group is advocating for a worldwide strict approach that would defrock any clergy member who confesses to or is proven of sexually abusing a minor. This approach has been implemented in the US.

The Pontiff recognized that there is "resistance in some parts of the world" to this initiative, according to Hickey.

"Everyone was practical when we recognized that there is pushback," Hickey remarked.

Legacy Challenge

The new Pope, who took the position in spring, has inherited this longstanding issue that has plagued the Catholic Church for decades.

Previous efforts to address the problem included an unprecedented meeting on child abuse within the institution and revisions to church laws to explicitly criminalize abuse.

Deeply Felt Link

For the representative, who uses they/them pronouns, the campaign for worldwide adoption of the policy is personal. The North American activist shared they were victimized by a priest who was later moved between various churches.

"Hopefully this will set the tone for his leadership, because we want to work with him," Hickey stated. "We have the same goal, we seek to eliminate abuse by religious officials."

Historic Meeting

Seven members of the organization, which includes victims and supporters from more than 30 countries, engaged with the Pope in his Vatican office.

The meeting, originally scheduled for 20 minutes, extended to a full hour, during which the religious leader "primarily heard to us," according to Hickey.

The pontiff was described as "very understanding" when listening to the account of a female survivor abused at a church-run institution for native youth in North America.

They noted the Pope was "tender" about their own experience and seemed "very humble, humorous, and approachable."

"Survivors have consistently sought a voice in discussions and I didn't perceive like he was making empty promises," Hickey commented. "I believed like he was genuine, realistic, and very open and keen to collaborate with us."

Church Regulations Reforms

The organization is hoping that revisions to canon law will facilitate the implementation of the strict approach worldwide.

They have consulted specialists and compiled documents that they will present to Pope Leo.

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

Accountability Emphasized

A recent church-ordered report highlighted the "importance of a streamlined protocol for the stepping down and/or removal of Church leaders or staff in cases of misconduct or failure to act."

The document also pointed out that survivors repeatedly stressed the "urgent need for church leaders and senior officials to be made responsible for inaction and concealment."

Path Ahead

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

Following the meeting, they expressed optimism for future change.

"We realise 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 strengthen that relationship is a step in the right direction," Hickey stated.

Hickey added that they shared with the pontiff: "Even though it's a difficult period, I feel like we can change how the narrative ends - he appreciated that."