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

The board president, who leads Ending Clergy Abuse, commented that the pontiff's decision to meet with them so soon in his papacy spoke volumes about his dedication to tackling the problem.

Worldwide Strict Policy Advocated

The group is pushing for a global strict approach that would defrock any priest who admits to or is proven of sexually abusing a minor. This approach has been implemented in the United States.

The Pontiff recognized that there is "opposition in some parts of the globe" to this proposal, according to Hickey.

"Everyone was practical when we acknowledged that there is resistance," they remarked.

Inherited Challenge

The current pontiff, who assumed the position in spring, has taken on this longstanding issue that has plagued the Church for decades.

Earlier attempts to resolve the situation included an historic summit on paedophilia within the institution and changes to church laws to clearly outlaw sexual abuse.

Personal Link

For the representative, who prefers they/them pronouns, the drive for global implementation of the measure is deeply meaningful. The North American advocate revealed they were abused by a priest who was later transferred between various churches.

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

Historic Meeting

Multiple members of the organization, which includes victims and supporters from over thirty nations, met with the Pontiff in his official residence.

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

The pontiff was described as "very understanding" when listening to the story of a woman victimized at a Catholic residential school for Indigenous children in Canada.

Hickey noted the Pope was "compassionate" about their personal story and seemed "very humble, humorous, and approachable."

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

Canon Law Changes

The group is hoping that changes to church regulations will enable the implementation of the zero-tolerance policy globally.

They have consulted specialists and compiled materials that they will present to the pontiff.

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

Accountability Highlighted

A recent Vatican-commissioned document emphasized the "importance of a streamlined protocol for the stepping down and/or removal of religious officials or personnel in cases of abuse or negligence."

The report also noted that victims consistently emphasized the "urgent need for bishops and major superiors to be held accountable for inaction and concealment."

Moving Forward

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

After the encounter, they expressed hope 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 establishing a connection and continuing to strengthen that bond is a move in the correct path," they commented.

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