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People who experienced abuse by Catholic clergy have voiced fresh optimism following their first encounter with the new Pope at the Holy See.

The board president, who leads Ending Clergy Abuse, stated that the Pope's choice to engage with them so early in his papacy spoke volumes about his dedication to addressing the problem.

Worldwide Strict Approach Advocated

The organization is advocating for a global strict approach that would defrock any clergy member who admits to or is found guilty of abusing a child. This policy has been implemented in the United States.

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

"Everyone was practical when we recognized that there is pushback," they stated.

Legacy Challenge

The new Pope, who took the position in spring, has inherited this persistent problem that has haunted the Church for many years.

Previous efforts to resolve the situation included an unprecedented meeting on paedophilia within the Church and revisions to canon law to explicitly criminalize sexual abuse.

Deeply Felt Link

For the representative, who uses gender-neutral pronouns, the campaign for global implementation of the measure is deeply meaningful. The North American activist revealed they were abused by a clergy member who was later moved between different parishes.

"We trust this will establish the direction for his papacy, because we aim to work with him," they stated. "We have the common objective, we seek to end abuse by religious officials."

Significant Encounter

Seven members of the coalition, which represents victims and advocates from more than 30 countries, engaged with the Pontiff in his Vatican office.

The discussion, originally scheduled for 20 minutes, extended to a full hour, during which the Pope "mostly listened to us," according to Hickey.

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

Hickey noted the leader was "tender" about their own story and appeared "modest, humorous, and approachable."

"Survivors have long wanted a seat at the table and I didn't perceive like he was giving us lip service," they stated. "I felt like he was sincere, practical, and receptive and eager to work with us."

Canon Law Changes

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

They have consulted specialists and gathered materials that they will submit to Pope Leo.

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

Accountability Highlighted

A recent Vatican-commissioned document highlighted the "importance of a streamlined protocol for the resignation and/or removal of religious officials or staff in cases of misconduct or negligence."

The report also noted that survivors repeatedly stressed the "urgent need for church leaders and major superiors to be held accountable for negligence and cover-up."

Path Ahead

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

Following the meeting, they expressed optimism for future change.

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

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