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Individuals who experienced sexual abuse by Catholic clergy have voiced fresh optimism after their initial meeting with Pope Leo at the Holy See.

Gemma Hickey, heading the anti-abuse organization, commented that the pontiff's decision to meet with them so soon in his papacy sent a strong message about his commitment to addressing the issue.

Global Strict Policy Advocated

The organization is pushing for a global strict approach that would defrock any priest who confesses to or is proven of abusing a minor. This approach has been implemented in the US.

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

"Everyone was practical when we recognized that there is resistance," Hickey stated.

Inherited Challenge

The current pontiff, who assumed the position in May, has taken on this persistent issue that has plagued the Church for many years.

Earlier attempts to address the situation included an historic meeting on paedophilia within the institution and changes to canon law to explicitly criminalize sexual abuse.

Personal Connection

For Hickey, who uses they/them pronouns, the drive for worldwide adoption of the policy is deeply meaningful. The Canadian advocate revealed they were victimized by a clergy member who was later moved between various churches.

"We trust this will establish the direction for his leadership, because we aim to work with him," they expressed. "We have the common objective, we want to eliminate clergy abuse."

Significant Encounter

Seven representatives of the organization, which represents victims and advocates from over thirty nations, met with the Pope in his Vatican office.

The meeting, originally scheduled for a brief period, lasted to a full hour, during which the religious leader "mostly listened to us," according to Hickey.

The Pope was described as "very understanding" when hearing the account of a woman abused at a Catholic residential school for Indigenous children in North America.

They noted the leader was "compassionate" about their personal experience and seemed "modest, funny, and very down to earth."

"Survivors have consistently sought a seat at the table and I didn't feel like he was giving us lip service," they stated. "I believed like he was genuine, realistic, and very open and eager to work with us."

Canon Law Reforms

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

They have consulted experts and compiled documents that they will submit to Pope Leo.

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

Responsibility Emphasized

A recently released Vatican-commissioned report emphasized the "necessity of a streamlined protocol for the resignation and/or removal of religious officials or personnel in cases of misconduct or failure to act."

The document also noted that victims repeatedly stressed the "critical requirement for church leaders and major superiors to be held accountable for negligence and concealment."

Path Ahead

Hickey revealed they informed the Pope at the start of their meeting: "This is as much a challenge for him to engage in a dialogue as it was for us."

After the encounter, they voiced hope for progress.

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

They concluded that they told with Pope Leo: "Just because it's a difficult period, I believe like we can change how the narrative ends - he appreciated that."