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Individuals who endured sexual abuse by church officials have voiced fresh optimism following their initial meeting with the new Pope at the Holy See.

The board president, heading Ending Clergy Abuse, commented that the Pope's decision to meet with them so early in his leadership sent a strong message about his dedication to addressing the problem.

Global Strict Approach Advocated

The group is advocating for a worldwide zero-tolerance policy that would defrock any priest who confesses to or is found guilty of abusing a minor. This approach has already been adopted in the US.

The Pontiff recognized that there is "opposition in certain regions of the globe" to this proposal, according to the representative.

"Everyone was practical when we acknowledged that there is pushback," Hickey stated.

Inherited Issue

The current pontiff, who took the position in May, has taken on this longstanding issue that has haunted the Catholic Church for many years.

Earlier attempts to resolve the situation included an historic summit on child abuse within the Church and revisions to church laws to explicitly criminalize sexual abuse.

Personal Connection

For the representative, who uses gender-neutral pronouns, the drive for global implementation of the measure is personal. The Canadian advocate revealed they were victimized by a clergy member who was subsequently moved between different parishes.

"Hopefully this will set the tone for his papacy, because we aim to work with him," they stated. "Both sides share the same goal, we seek to eliminate clergy abuse."

Historic Meeting

Multiple representatives of the organization, which includes survivors and supporters from over thirty nations, engaged with the Pope in his official residence.

The meeting, originally scheduled for a brief period, lasted 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 story of a female survivor abused at a Catholic residential school for native youth in North America.

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

"Victims have long wanted a seat at the table and I didn't feel like he was giving us lip service," Hickey stated. "I believed like he was sincere, realistic, and receptive and eager to work with us."

Church Regulations Changes

The organization is hoping that revisions to canon law will enable the adoption of the zero-tolerance policy globally.

They have spoken with experts and gathered materials that they plan to submit to Pope Leo.

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

Responsibility Emphasized

A recent church-ordered document highlighted the "necessity of a efficient process for the stepping down and/or removal of religious officials or personnel in cases of abuse or negligence."

The document also noted that survivors repeatedly stressed the "critical requirement for bishops and senior officials to be held accountable for negligence and cover-up."

Path Ahead

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

Following the meeting, they voiced hope 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 bond is a step in the correct path," they commented.

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