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People who endured sexual abuse by church officials have expressed renewed hope after their first meeting with Pope Leo at the Holy See.

The board president, who leads the anti-abuse organization, commented that the pontiff's decision to engage with them so soon in his leadership sent a strong message about his dedication to addressing the issue.

Global Strict Policy Pushed

The organization is advocating for a worldwide strict approach that would defrock any priest who confesses to or is found guilty of abusing a child. This policy has already been adopted in the US.

The Pontiff recognized that there is "opposition in some parts of the world" to this initiative, according to Hickey.

"We were all being realistic when we acknowledged that there is pushback," Hickey stated.

Inherited Issue

The new Pope, who took the role in spring, has inherited this longstanding problem that has plagued the Catholic Church for decades.

Earlier attempts to resolve the problem included an unprecedented meeting on child abuse within the Church and changes to church laws to clearly outlaw sexual abuse.

Deeply Felt Connection

For Hickey, who prefers they/them pronouns, the campaign for worldwide adoption of the policy is personal. The Canadian activist revealed they were victimized by a priest who was subsequently moved between various churches.

"Hopefully this will establish the direction for his papacy, because we want to work with him," Hickey stated. "We have the same goal, we seek to eliminate abuse by religious officials."

Historic Encounter

Seven members of the organization, which includes victims and supporters from more than 30 nations, engaged with the Pontiff in his Vatican office.

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

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

They added the Pope was "tender" about their personal story and seemed "very humble, humorous, and approachable."

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

Canon Law Changes

The organization is advocating 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 submit to Pope Leo.

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

Accountability Emphasized

A recently released church-ordered report highlighted the "necessity of a streamlined protocol for the resignation and/or removal of Church leaders or staff in cases of misconduct or failure to act."

The report also pointed out that survivors consistently emphasized the "urgent need for bishops and senior officials to be made responsible for inaction and concealment."

Moving Forward

The representative revealed they informed the Pope at the beginning of their meeting: "This represents as much a risk for him to participate in a conversation as it was for us."

After the encounter, they voiced optimism for future change.

"We realise it's not something that's going to be resolved quickly, but at the conclusion, coming together and establishing a connection and continuing to strengthen that bond is a move in the right direction," Hickey commented.

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