🔗 Share this article

People who experienced abuse by Catholic clergy have expressed fresh optimism after their first meeting with Pope Leo at the Vatican.

Gemma Hickey, who leads the anti-abuse organization, commented that the pontiff's choice to meet with them so early in his papacy sent a strong message about his commitment to tackling the issue.

Worldwide Strict Approach Pushed

The group is pushing for a global strict approach that would defrock any clergy member who admits to or is found guilty of sexually abusing a minor. This approach has been implemented in the US.

The Pontiff acknowledged that there is "resistance in some parts of the globe" to this initiative, according to the representative.

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

Inherited Issue

The new Pope, who assumed the position in May, has taken on this persistent problem that has haunted the Church for many years.

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

Personal Link

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

"Hopefully this will set the tone for his leadership, because we want to collaborate with him," they stated. "We have the common objective, we seek to end clergy abuse."

Historic Meeting

Multiple representatives of the organization, which represents survivors and supporters from more than 30 countries, engaged with the Pope in his official residence.

The meeting, initially planned for a brief period, extended to a full hour, during which the religious leader "primarily heard to us," according to Hickey.

The Pope was described as "very understanding" when listening to the story of a woman abused at a church-run institution for Indigenous children in Canada.

They noted the leader was "tender" about their own story and seemed "modest, funny, and approachable."

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

Canon Law Changes

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

They have spoken with experts and compiled materials that they plan to present to Pope Leo.

"He appeared engaged in looking at it," they remarked.

Responsibility Highlighted

A recent Vatican-commissioned document highlighted the "importance of a streamlined protocol for the resignation and/or dismissal of religious officials or personnel in cases of abuse or failure to act."

The report also noted that victims consistently emphasized the "critical requirement for bishops and major superiors to be made responsible for negligence and concealment."

Moving Forward

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

After the encounter, Hickey voiced optimism for progress.

"We understand it's not something that's going to be resolved quickly, but at the conclusion, uniting and establishing a connection and persisting to strengthen that relationship is a step in the correct path," Hickey stated.

They concluded that they shared with the pontiff: "Even though it's a dark chapter, I feel like we can change how the story concludes - he valued that."