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Individuals who experienced abuse by church officials have voiced fresh optimism after their first encounter with Pope Leo at the Holy See.

The board president, heading Ending Clergy Abuse, commented that the Pope's choice to meet with them so early in his papacy sent a strong message about his commitment to tackling the issue.

Worldwide Strict Policy Pushed

The group is advocating for a global zero-tolerance policy that would defrock any clergy member who confesses to or is proven of abusing a minor. This approach has been implemented in the US.

The Pontiff acknowledged that there is "resistance in certain regions of the globe" to this proposal, according to Hickey.

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

Legacy Challenge

The current pontiff, who assumed the role in May, has inherited this persistent problem that has haunted the Church for many years.

Previous efforts to address the problem included an unprecedented summit on paedophilia within the institution and changes to church laws to explicitly criminalize abuse.

Deeply Felt Link

For Hickey, who prefers they/them pronouns, the campaign for worldwide adoption of the measure is deeply meaningful. The Canadian activist revealed they were victimized by a priest who was later transferred between various churches.

"Hopefully this will establish the direction for his leadership, because we want to collaborate with him," Hickey expressed. "We have the same goal, we seek to end clergy abuse."

Significant Encounter

Multiple members of the organization, which includes victims and supporters from more than 30 nations, engaged with the Pontiff in his official residence.

The discussion, initially planned for a brief period, lasted to a full hour, during which the Pope "primarily heard to us," according to the representative.

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

Hickey added the leader was "compassionate" about their own experience and appeared "very humble, humorous, and approachable."

"Survivors have long wanted a voice in discussions and I didn't perceive like he was making empty promises," they stated. "I felt like he was genuine, realistic, and receptive and keen to collaborate with us."

Canon Law Reforms

The organization is advocating that revisions to church regulations will enable the adoption of the zero-tolerance policy globally.

They have spoken with specialists and compiled materials that they will present to Pope Leo.

"He seemed engaged in looking at it," Hickey remarked.

Accountability Emphasized

A recent church-ordered report emphasized the "necessity of a streamlined protocol for the stepping down and/or dismissal of religious officials or personnel in cases of abuse or negligence."

The document also pointed out that victims repeatedly stressed the "critical requirement for church leaders and major superiors to be made responsible for negligence and cover-up."

Moving Forward

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

After the meeting, Hickey expressed hope for progress.

"We realise it's not something that's going to be resolved quickly, but at the end of the day, uniting and building a relationship and persisting to build that bond is a step in the correct path," they stated.

They concluded that they shared with the pontiff: "Even though it's a difficult period, I believe like we can change how the narrative concludes - he valued that."