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Individuals who experienced abuse by church officials have voiced renewed hope following their initial meeting with the new Pope at the Vatican.

Gemma Hickey, heading Ending Clergy Abuse, stated that the Pope'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 pushing for a global strict approach that would defrock any clergy member who confesses to or is found guilty of sexually abusing a child. This approach has been implemented in the US.

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

"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 longstanding problem that has haunted the Church for many years.

Earlier attempts to resolve the situation included an historic summit on paedophilia within the institution and changes to canon law to clearly outlaw abuse.

Deeply Felt Link

For Hickey, who prefers they/them pronouns, the drive for global implementation of the measure is personal. The Canadian activist revealed they were abused by a priest who was subsequently moved between various churches.

"We trust this will establish the direction for his papacy, because we aim to collaborate with him," Hickey stated. "Both sides share the same goal, we seek to eliminate clergy abuse."

Historic Meeting

Seven members of the coalition, which includes victims and supporters from more than 30 nations, met with the Pope 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 the representative.

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

Hickey added the Pope was "tender" about their personal story and appeared "very humble, humorous, and very down to earth."

"Survivors have consistently sought a seat at the table and I didn't feel like he was making empty promises," Hickey commented. "I believed like he was sincere, practical, and very open and keen to collaborate with us."

Church Regulations Reforms

The group is hoping that revisions to canon law will facilitate the implementation of the zero-tolerance policy globally.

They have consulted experts and compiled documents that they will present to the pontiff.

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

Accountability Highlighted

A recently released church-ordered document emphasized the "necessity of a streamlined protocol for the resignation and/or dismissal of religious officials or staff in cases of abuse or negligence."

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

Path Ahead

Hickey revealed they told the Pope at the start of their meeting: "This represents as much a risk for him to engage in a dialogue as it was for us."

After the meeting, Hickey expressed hope for future change.

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

They concluded that they told with the pontiff: "Even though it's a dark chapter, I feel like we can change how the story ends - he appreciated that."