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Individuals who experienced sexual abuse by church officials have expressed fresh optimism after their initial meeting with the new Pope at the Vatican.

Gemma Hickey, who leads the anti-abuse organization, stated that the Pope's choice to meet with them so soon in his leadership sent a strong message about his commitment to addressing the issue.

Global Strict Approach Pushed

The organization is pushing for a global zero-tolerance policy that would defrock any clergy member who admits to or is found guilty of sexually abusing a child. This approach has been implemented in the US.

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

"We were all being realistic when we acknowledged that there is resistance," Hickey remarked.

Legacy Challenge

The current pontiff, who took the position in May, has taken on this persistent issue that has haunted the Church for many years.

Earlier attempts to resolve the situation included an historic summit on paedophilia within the institution and revisions to church laws to explicitly criminalize sexual abuse.

Deeply Felt Connection

For the representative, who prefers they/them pronouns, the drive for worldwide adoption of the measure is deeply meaningful. The Canadian activist shared 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 want to work with him," Hickey stated. "We have the same goal, we seek to eliminate clergy abuse."

Historic Encounter

Multiple members of the coalition, which represents survivors and supporters from over thirty nations, met with the Pope in his official residence.

The discussion, initially planned for a brief period, lasted to a full hour, during which the Pope "primarily heard to us," according to the representative.

The pontiff was characterized as "very understanding" when hearing the account of a female survivor abused at a Catholic residential school for native youth in Canada.

Hickey noted the Pope was "tender" about their own experience and seemed "very humble, funny, and approachable."

"Victims have consistently sought a voice in discussions and I didn't perceive like he was making empty promises," they commented. "I felt like he was genuine, realistic, and very open and keen to work with us."

Church Regulations Changes

The organization is advocating that changes to church regulations will facilitate the adoption of the zero-tolerance policy worldwide.

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

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

Responsibility Highlighted

A recently released church-ordered report emphasized the "importance of a streamlined protocol for the resignation and/or removal of religious officials or staff in cases of abuse or failure to act."

The document also pointed out that victims repeatedly stressed the "critical requirement for church leaders and senior officials to be held accountable for inaction and cover-up."

Moving Forward

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

After the encounter, Hickey voiced optimism for progress.

"We realise it's not something that's going to happen overnight, but at the conclusion, coming together and building a connection and persisting to build that relationship is a step in the right direction," Hickey stated.

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