Survivors of Catholic Clergy Sexual Abuse Express Hope Following Meeting with Pope Leo

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

The board president, heading the anti-abuse organization, stated that the Pope's choice to meet with them so early in his leadership sent a strong message about his dedication to addressing the issue.

Worldwide Strict Policy Advocated

The group is advocating for a worldwide zero-tolerance policy that would defrock any priest who confesses to or is proven of sexually abusing a minor. This policy has already been adopted in the US.

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

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

Legacy Issue

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

Earlier attempts to address the situation included an historic summit on child abuse within the Church and revisions to canon law to explicitly criminalize sexual abuse.

Deeply Felt Connection

For Hickey, who uses they/them pronouns, the drive for worldwide adoption of the measure is deeply meaningful. The Canadian activist shared they were abused by a priest who was subsequently transferred between various churches.

"We trust this will set the tone for his papacy, because we aim to collaborate with him," Hickey expressed. "We have the same goal, we seek to end abuse by religious officials."

Historic Encounter

Seven representatives of the organization, which includes victims and advocates from more than 30 nations, engaged with the Pope in his Vatican office.

The discussion, initially planned for 20 minutes, lasted to a full hour, during which the Pope "primarily heard to us," according to Hickey.

The Pope was described as "quite empathetic" when hearing the story of a female survivor abused at a Catholic residential school for native youth in North America.

Hickey added the Pope was "tender" about their personal story and appeared "very humble, funny, and approachable."

"Survivors have consistently sought a voice in discussions and I didn't perceive like he was giving us lip service," Hickey stated. "I felt like he was sincere, practical, and very open and keen to collaborate with us."

Church Regulations Changes

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

They have consulted specialists and gathered materials that they plan to present to the pontiff.

"He appeared engaged in looking at it," they remarked.

Accountability Highlighted

A recent Vatican-commissioned report highlighted the "necessity of a streamlined protocol for the stepping down and/or removal of Church leaders or staff in cases of abuse or negligence."

The report also pointed out that victims repeatedly stressed the "critical requirement for church leaders and major superiors to be held accountable for negligence and cover-up."

Moving Forward

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

Following the encounter, they expressed optimism for progress.

"We understand it's not something that's going to happen overnight, but at the conclusion, coming together and building a connection and continuing to strengthen that bond is a step in the correct path," they commented.

They concluded that they told with the pontiff: "Just because it's a difficult period, I feel like we can change how the story concludes - he valued that."