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Individuals who endured sexual abuse by church officials have expressed fresh optimism after their initial encounter with the new Pope at the Holy See.

Gemma Hickey, heading Ending Clergy Abuse, stated that the pontiff's decision to engage with them so early in his leadership spoke volumes about his commitment to tackling the issue.

Worldwide Strict Approach Pushed

The organization is advocating for a worldwide strict approach that would permanently remove any clergy member who admits to or is proven of sexually abusing a minor. This approach has been implemented in the United States.

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

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

Legacy Challenge

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

Earlier attempts to resolve the problem included an historic meeting on paedophilia within the institution and revisions to canon law to clearly outlaw sexual abuse.

Deeply Felt Connection

For the representative, who uses they/them pronouns, the drive for worldwide adoption of the policy is deeply meaningful. The North American advocate revealed they were abused by a clergy member who was subsequently transferred between various churches.

"We trust this will set the tone for his papacy, because we aim to work with him," Hickey stated. "We have the same goal, we want to eliminate abuse by religious officials."

Significant Encounter

Seven members of the coalition, which represents victims and supporters from more than 30 countries, met with the Pope in his official residence.

The meeting, originally scheduled for a brief period, extended to a full hour, during which the religious leader "primarily heard to us," according to the representative.

The pontiff was described as "quite empathetic" when listening to the account of a female survivor abused at a church-run institution for native youth in Canada.

They added the leader was "tender" about their personal story and appeared "very humble, funny, and approachable."

"Survivors have consistently sought a voice in discussions and I didn't feel like he was making empty promises," Hickey stated. "I believed like he was sincere, practical, and very open and keen to work with us."

Church Regulations Reforms

The organization is hoping that revisions to canon law will facilitate the implementation of the zero-tolerance policy worldwide.

They have consulted specialists and compiled documents that they plan to present to the pontiff.

"He seemed interested in reviewing it," they noted.

Accountability 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 misconduct or negligence."

The report also pointed out that survivors consistently emphasized the "critical requirement for church leaders and major superiors to be held accountable for negligence and concealment."

Moving Forward

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

After the meeting, Hickey expressed hope for future change.

"We realise it's not something that's going to be resolved quickly, but at the end of the day, coming together and establishing a connection and persisting to build that bond is a move in the correct path," they stated.

Hickey concluded that they told with the pontiff: "Even though it's a dark chapter, I feel like we can change how the narrative ends - he appreciated that."