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Individuals who endured abuse by Catholic clergy have expressed renewed hope after their first meeting with Pope Leo at the Holy See.

Gemma Hickey, heading the anti-abuse organization, commented that the Pope's choice to meet with them so soon in his leadership spoke volumes about his dedication to addressing the problem.

Worldwide Zero-Tolerance Approach Advocated

The group is advocating for a global zero-tolerance policy that would permanently remove any priest who admits to or is proven of sexually abusing a minor. This approach has been implemented in the US.

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

"We were all being realistic when we recognized that there is pushback," Hickey remarked.

Legacy Challenge

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

Previous efforts to resolve the problem included an unprecedented meeting on paedophilia within the institution and changes to canon law to clearly outlaw sexual abuse.

Personal Link

For the representative, who prefers they/them pronouns, the drive for global implementation of the measure is personal. The North American advocate revealed they were victimized by a clergy member who was later transferred between different parishes.

"We trust this will establish the direction for his leadership, because we aim to work with him," Hickey stated. "We have the common objective, we seek to end clergy abuse."

Historic Meeting

Seven representatives of the organization, which includes survivors and advocates from over thirty countries, engaged with the Pontiff in his official residence.

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

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

Hickey added the leader was "compassionate" about their personal story and appeared "very humble, funny, and very down to earth."

"Survivors have long wanted a voice in discussions and I didn't feel like he was making empty promises," Hickey stated. "I believed like he was genuine, realistic, and receptive and keen to collaborate with us."

Church Regulations Reforms

The group is advocating that revisions to canon law will enable the implementation of the strict approach worldwide.

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

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

Accountability Highlighted

A recent church-ordered report highlighted the "necessity of a efficient process for the resignation and/or removal of Church leaders or staff in cases of abuse or negligence."

The report also noted that victims consistently emphasized the "critical requirement for bishops and major superiors to be held accountable for negligence and cover-up."

Moving Forward

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

Following the meeting, Hickey voiced hope for future change.

"We realise it's not something that's going to happen overnight, but at the conclusion, coming together and establishing a relationship and persisting to strengthen that bond is a move in the right direction," they stated.

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