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People who endured abuse by Catholic clergy have expressed fresh optimism following their first encounter with Pope Leo at the Holy See.

The board president, who leads the anti-abuse organization, commented that the pontiff's choice to meet with them so early in his papacy spoke volumes about his dedication to addressing the issue.

Worldwide Strict Policy Advocated

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

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

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

Legacy Issue

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

Earlier attempts to address the problem included an historic summit on paedophilia within the institution and changes to canon law to clearly outlaw sexual abuse.

Deeply Felt Connection

For Hickey, who prefers they/them pronouns, the drive for worldwide adoption of the policy is personal. The Canadian advocate revealed they were victimized by a clergy member who was later transferred between various churches.

"Hopefully this will set the tone for his leadership, because we aim to collaborate with him," they expressed. "We have the same goal, we seek to eliminate clergy abuse."

Significant Meeting

Seven representatives of the coalition, which represents survivors and supporters from more than 30 countries, engaged with the Pope in his Vatican office.

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

The pontiff was described as "very understanding" when hearing the account of a woman victimized at a church-run institution for Indigenous children in North America.

Hickey noted the Pope was "compassionate" about their personal story and appeared "modest, funny, and very down to earth."

"Survivors have consistently sought a voice in discussions and I didn't perceive like he was giving us lip service," they commented. "I felt like he was sincere, realistic, and receptive and eager to collaborate with us."

Church Regulations Reforms

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

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

"He appeared interested in looking at it," Hickey noted.

Responsibility Emphasized

A recently released church-ordered report emphasized the "importance of a efficient process for the resignation and/or dismissal of Church leaders or personnel in cases of abuse or failure to act."

The document also noted that victims repeatedly stressed the "critical requirement for church leaders and major superiors to be made responsible for inaction and concealment."

Moving Forward

Hickey revealed they informed the Pope at the beginning of their discussion: "This is as much a risk for him to engage in a dialogue as it was for us."

Following the encounter, Hickey expressed optimism 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 relationship and persisting to strengthen that bond is a move in the correct path," Hickey stated.

They concluded that they told with Pope Leo: "Even though it's a difficult period, I believe like we can alter how the narrative ends - he appreciated that."