🔗 Share this article

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

The board president, who leads the anti-abuse organization, stated that the Pope's decision to meet with them so early in his leadership spoke volumes about his dedication to tackling the problem.

Worldwide Strict Policy Pushed

The group is pushing for a global strict approach that would defrock any clergy member who confesses to or is proven of abusing a child. This approach has been implemented in the United States.

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

"We were all being realistic when we recognized that there is resistance," they remarked.

Inherited Challenge

The new Pope, who assumed the role in spring, has taken on this persistent issue that has plagued the Catholic Church for many years.

Earlier attempts to address the problem included an unprecedented meeting on child abuse within the institution and revisions to canon law to explicitly criminalize sexual abuse.

Personal Connection

For the representative, who prefers they/them pronouns, the drive for global implementation of the measure is personal. The North American activist revealed they were abused by a priest who was subsequently moved between various churches.

"Hopefully this will set the tone for his leadership, because we aim to collaborate with him," they stated. "Both sides share the same goal, we want to end abuse by religious officials."

Significant Meeting

Seven representatives of the organization, which represents survivors and supporters from over thirty countries, met with the Pope in his official residence.

The discussion, initially planned for 20 minutes, extended to a full hour, during which the religious leader "primarily heard to us," according to the representative.

The pontiff was characterized as "very understanding" when listening to the story of a female survivor victimized at a Catholic residential school for native youth in Canada.

They noted the leader was "compassionate" about their personal experience and appeared "modest, humorous, and approachable."

"Survivors have consistently sought a voice in discussions and I didn't perceive like he was making empty promises," they stated. "I believed like he was sincere, practical, and very open and eager to collaborate with us."

Canon Law Reforms

The organization is hoping that revisions to church regulations will enable the implementation of the strict approach globally.

They have spoken with experts and gathered documents that they will submit to Pope Leo.

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

Accountability Highlighted

A recently released Vatican-commissioned report highlighted the "importance of a streamlined protocol for the resignation and/or dismissal of religious officials or staff in cases of abuse or failure to act."

The document also noted that victims repeatedly stressed the "critical requirement for bishops and senior officials to be made responsible for inaction and concealment."

Path Ahead

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

After the meeting, Hickey expressed optimism for progress.

"We understand it's not something that's going to be resolved quickly, but at the end of the day, coming together and building a relationship and continuing to build that relationship is a step in the correct path," they stated.

They concluded that they shared with the pontiff: "Even though it's a difficult period, I believe like we can alter how the story concludes - he appreciated that."