🔗 Share this article Survivors of Catholic Clergy Sex Abuse Voice Optimism Following Meeting with Pope Leo Anti-Abuse Organization representatives and survivors pose in Vatican Square after the meeting with Pope Leo Individuals who experienced abuse by Catholic clergy have voiced fresh optimism following their first meeting with Pope Leo at the Vatican. The board president, heading the anti-abuse organization, stated that the pontiff's choice to meet with them so early in his leadership sent a strong message about his dedication to addressing the issue. Global Strict Policy Pushed The organization is pushing for a worldwide zero-tolerance policy that would defrock any clergy member who admits to or is found guilty of abusing a minor. This approach has been implemented in the US. The Pope recognized that there is "opposition in certain regions of the world" to this initiative, according to Hickey. "Everyone was practical when we recognized that there is pushback," Hickey remarked. Legacy Issue The new Pope, who assumed the position in May, has taken on this longstanding problem that has haunted the Church for many years. Previous efforts to resolve the problem included an historic meeting on paedophilia within the Church and changes to canon law to explicitly criminalize sexual abuse. Deeply Felt Connection For the representative, who uses gender-neutral pronouns, the drive for global implementation of the measure is personal. The North American activist revealed they were abused by a clergy member who was later transferred between various churches. "We trust this will establish the direction for his leadership, because we aim to collaborate with him," they expressed. "We have the common objective, we seek to eliminate abuse by religious officials." Historic Encounter Multiple members of the organization, which includes survivors and advocates from over thirty countries, met with the Pontiff in his official residence. The discussion, initially planned 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 listening to the account of a female survivor victimized at a Catholic residential school for Indigenous children in Canada. They noted the Pope was "tender" about their personal experience and appeared "modest, funny, and approachable." "Victims have consistently sought a seat at the table and I didn't feel like he was giving us lip service," they stated. "I felt like he was sincere, practical, and very open and eager to work with us." Pope Leo celebrates Mass in Vatican City on 19 October Canon Law Reforms The organization is advocating that changes to canon law will facilitate the adoption of the zero-tolerance policy globally. They have consulted specialists and compiled materials that they plan to submit to Pope Leo. "He appeared interested in reviewing it," Hickey remarked. Accountability Highlighted A recently released church-ordered report highlighted the "importance of a efficient process for the stepping down and/or removal of Church leaders or personnel in cases of misconduct or failure to act." The report also pointed out that survivors repeatedly stressed the "urgent need for church leaders and major superiors to be held accountable for inaction and cover-up." Moving Forward Hickey revealed they informed the pontiff at the beginning of their meeting: "This is as much a risk for him to participate in a conversation as it was for us." After the encounter, they voiced optimism for future change. "We understand it's not something that's going to happen overnight, but at the conclusion, uniting and building a connection and continuing to strengthen that relationship is a step in the correct path," they commented. Hickey added that they told with the pontiff: "Just because it's a dark chapter, I feel like we can change how the story concludes - he valued that."