🔗 Share this article

Individuals who endured sexual abuse by Catholic clergy have expressed renewed hope after their initial meeting with the new Pope at the Vatican.

Gemma Hickey, who leads the anti-abuse organization, stated that the Pope's decision to meet with them so early in his papacy spoke volumes about his commitment to tackling the issue.

Worldwide Strict Approach Advocated

The group is advocating for a global zero-tolerance policy that would permanently remove any clergy member who admits to or is found guilty of abusing a child. This policy has been implemented in the United States.

The Pontiff acknowledged that there is "opposition in certain regions of the world" to this proposal, according to Hickey.

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

Inherited Issue

The current pontiff, who assumed the position in May, has inherited this longstanding problem that has haunted the Church for decades.

Earlier attempts to address the situation included an historic meeting on child abuse within the institution and changes to church laws to clearly outlaw sexual abuse.

Deeply Felt Link

For the representative, who uses they/them pronouns, the drive for global implementation of the policy is deeply meaningful. The Canadian activist revealed they were victimized by a priest who was later moved between various churches.

"We trust this will set the tone for his leadership, because we want to work with him," they stated. "We have the common objective, we want to eliminate clergy abuse."

Historic Encounter

Seven representatives of the coalition, which includes survivors and supporters from over thirty countries, engaged with the Pontiff in his official residence.

The discussion, initially planned for a brief period, lasted to a full hour, during which the religious leader "primarily heard to us," according to Hickey.

The pontiff was characterized as "very understanding" when listening to the story of a woman victimized at a Catholic residential school for Indigenous children in Canada.

Hickey noted the leader was "tender" about their personal story and appeared "modest, funny, and very down to earth."

"Victims 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 genuine, practical, and very open and keen to collaborate with us."

Church Regulations Reforms

The group is advocating that changes to canon law will facilitate the adoption of the zero-tolerance policy globally.

They have consulted experts and compiled materials that they plan to submit to Pope Leo.

"He appeared engaged in looking at it," Hickey noted.

Accountability Emphasized

A recently released Vatican-commissioned report emphasized the "necessity of a streamlined protocol for the resignation and/or removal of Church leaders or personnel in cases of misconduct or negligence."

The report also noted that survivors consistently emphasized the "urgent need for church leaders and major superiors to be held accountable for inaction and concealment."

Path Ahead

Hickey shared they told the pontiff at the beginning of their discussion: "This is as much a risk for him to participate in a dialogue as it was for us."

After the meeting, they expressed optimism for progress.

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

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