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People who experienced sexual abuse by Catholic clergy have expressed fresh optimism after their initial encounter with the new Pope at the Vatican.

The board president, heading Ending Clergy Abuse, commented that the Pope's choice to meet with them so soon in his papacy sent a strong message about his dedication to addressing the problem.

Worldwide Strict Approach Pushed

The group is advocating for a worldwide strict approach that would defrock any clergy member who admits to or is proven of sexually abusing a child. This policy has already been adopted 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 recognized that there is pushback," Hickey stated.

Inherited Issue

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

Previous efforts to address the situation included an historic summit on paedophilia within the Church and revisions to church laws to clearly outlaw sexual abuse.

Personal Connection

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

"We trust this will establish the direction for his leadership, because we want to work with him," they expressed. "Both sides share the same goal, we want to end abuse by religious officials."

Historic Meeting

Multiple representatives 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, extended to a full hour, during which the Pope "mostly listened to us," according to Hickey.

The Pope was characterized as "quite empathetic" when listening to the account of a female survivor abused at a church-run institution for native youth in North America.

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

"Survivors 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 eager to work with us."

Church Regulations Changes

The group is hoping that changes to church regulations will enable the implementation of the strict approach globally.

They have spoken with experts and compiled materials that they plan to present to the pontiff.

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

Responsibility Emphasized

A recent Vatican-commissioned report emphasized the "necessity of a efficient process for the resignation and/or removal of Church leaders or personnel in cases of misconduct or negligence."

The report also noted that survivors repeatedly stressed the "urgent need for bishops and senior officials to be held accountable for negligence and concealment."

Moving Forward

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

After the encounter, Hickey voiced hope for progress.

"We realise it's not something that's going to happen overnight, but at the end of the day, uniting and establishing a relationship and persisting to build that relationship is a move in the correct path," Hickey stated.

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