🔗 Share this article

People who experienced abuse by church officials have voiced renewed hope after their first meeting with the new Pope at the Vatican.

Gemma Hickey, who leads the anti-abuse organization, commented that the pontiff's choice to meet with them so early in his papacy spoke volumes about his dedication to tackling the problem.

Global Strict Approach Advocated

The organization is advocating for a global zero-tolerance policy that would defrock any priest who confesses to or is proven of sexually abusing a child. This approach has been implemented in the United States.

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

"Everyone was practical when we acknowledged that there is pushback," Hickey remarked.

Inherited Issue

The current pontiff, who assumed the role in spring, has inherited this longstanding problem that has plagued the Church for decades.

Previous efforts to address the problem included an unprecedented summit on child abuse within the Church and revisions to canon law to explicitly criminalize sexual abuse.

Deeply Felt Link

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

"Hopefully this will set the tone for his leadership, because we want to work with him," Hickey stated. "We have the same goal, we seek to end abuse by religious officials."

Significant Meeting

Multiple representatives of the coalition, which represents victims and supporters from over thirty countries, met 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 the representative.

The pontiff was characterized as "quite empathetic" when hearing the story of a woman abused at a Catholic residential school for native youth in North America.

Hickey added the Pope was "compassionate" about their personal experience and seemed "very humble, funny, and very down to earth."

"Survivors have consistently sought a seat at the table and I didn't perceive like he was making empty promises," they commented. "I believed like he was genuine, practical, and receptive and eager to work with us."

Canon Law Reforms

The organization is advocating that revisions to canon law will enable the implementation of the strict approach worldwide.

They have consulted specialists and compiled materials that they will present to Pope Leo.

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

Responsibility Highlighted

A recent Vatican-commissioned report highlighted the "necessity of a efficient process for the resignation and/or dismissal of Church leaders or staff in cases of misconduct or failure to act."

The report also noted that victims consistently emphasized the "critical requirement for church leaders and major superiors to be held accountable for inaction and concealment."

Path Ahead

The representative revealed they informed the pontiff at the beginning of their meeting: "This is as much a risk for him to engage in a dialogue as it was for us."

Following the encounter, Hickey voiced optimism for future change.

"We understand it's not something that's going to happen overnight, but at the end of the day, uniting and building a connection and persisting to strengthen that relationship is a step in the correct path," Hickey stated.

Hickey added that they shared with Pope Leo: "Even though it's a difficult period, I believe like we can alter how the narrative concludes - he appreciated that."