🔗 Share this article

People who experienced abuse by church officials have voiced fresh optimism after their initial meeting with the new Pope at the Holy See.

Gemma Hickey, heading the anti-abuse organization, commented that the pontiff's decision to meet with them so soon in his leadership sent a strong message about his dedication to tackling the problem.

Global Zero-Tolerance Approach Advocated

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

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

"Everyone was practical when we acknowledged that there is resistance," they remarked.

Legacy Issue

The new Pope, who assumed the position in May, has taken on this persistent problem that has plagued the Church for many years.

Previous efforts to resolve the problem included an unprecedented summit on child abuse within the Church and revisions to church laws to clearly outlaw sexual abuse.

Personal Link

For Hickey, who uses they/them pronouns, the drive for global implementation of the measure is deeply meaningful. The North American advocate shared they were victimized by a priest who was later transferred between various churches.

"Hopefully this will set the tone for his papacy, because we aim to collaborate with him," they stated. "Both sides share the same goal, we want to end clergy abuse."

Historic Encounter

Seven representatives of the organization, which includes victims and supporters from over thirty countries, met with the Pontiff 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 characterized as "quite empathetic" when hearing the account of a female survivor abused at a church-run institution for Indigenous children in North America.

They noted the leader was "tender" about their personal story and seemed "modest, humorous, and very down to earth."

"Victims have long wanted a seat at the table and I didn't feel like he was making empty promises," Hickey commented. "I believed like he was sincere, realistic, and receptive and keen to collaborate with us."

Canon Law Reforms

The group is hoping that revisions to canon law will facilitate the adoption of the strict approach globally.

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

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

Accountability Highlighted

A recent church-ordered document highlighted the "importance of a streamlined protocol for the stepping down and/or dismissal of religious officials or personnel in cases of misconduct or failure to act."

The report also pointed out that victims consistently emphasized the "critical requirement for bishops and senior officials to be held accountable for inaction and concealment."

Path Ahead

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

After the meeting, they voiced hope for future change.

"We realise it's not something that's going to happen overnight, but at the end of the day, coming together and establishing a connection and continuing to build 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 alter how the story ends - he appreciated that."