🔗 Share this article

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

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

Global Strict Approach Pushed

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

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

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

Inherited Issue

The current pontiff, who assumed the position in spring, has taken on this persistent problem that has haunted the Church for many years.

Previous efforts to resolve the situation included an historic meeting on child abuse within the institution and revisions to canon law to clearly outlaw abuse.

Deeply Felt Connection

For the representative, who prefers gender-neutral pronouns, the campaign for worldwide adoption of the measure is personal. The North American advocate revealed they were abused by a priest who was subsequently moved between various churches.

"We trust this will set the tone for his leadership, because we aim to work with him," they stated. "Both sides share the common objective, we seek to eliminate abuse by religious officials."

Historic Meeting

Multiple representatives of the coalition, which represents victims and advocates from over thirty countries, engaged with the Pope in his official residence.

The meeting, initially planned for a brief period, extended to a sixty minutes, during which the religious leader "mostly listened to us," according to the representative.

The Pope was characterized as "very understanding" when hearing the story of a female survivor victimized at a church-run institution for native youth in North America.

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

"Victims have long wanted a seat at the table and I didn't perceive like he was making empty promises," they commented. "I believed like he was genuine, realistic, and receptive and eager to work with us."

Canon Law Changes

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

They have consulted specialists and compiled materials that they will present to Pope Leo.

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

Accountability Highlighted

A recent Vatican-commissioned report highlighted the "importance of a efficient process for the resignation and/or dismissal of religious officials or personnel in cases of misconduct or negligence."

The document also pointed out that survivors consistently emphasized the "critical requirement for church leaders and senior officials to be made responsible for inaction and concealment."

Path Ahead

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

After the meeting, Hickey voiced hope for future change.

"We realise 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 build that bond is a step in the correct path," Hickey commented.

Hickey added that they shared with the pontiff: "Just because it's a dark chapter, I feel like we can alter how the story concludes - he appreciated that."