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Individuals who endured abuse by Catholic clergy have expressed fresh optimism after their initial meeting with Pope Leo at the Holy See.

The board president, who leads the anti-abuse organization, stated that the Pope's decision to meet with them so soon in his leadership spoke volumes about his commitment to tackling the issue.

Worldwide Strict Approach Advocated

The group is advocating for a worldwide strict approach that would defrock any priest who confesses to or is found guilty of abusing a child. This approach has been implemented in the US.

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

"We were all being realistic when we acknowledged that there is resistance," they stated.

Inherited Challenge

The current pontiff, who took the position in May, has inherited this persistent issue that has haunted the Church for decades.

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

Deeply Felt Link

For the representative, who uses gender-neutral pronouns, the campaign for global implementation of the policy is deeply meaningful. The North American advocate revealed they were victimized by a clergy member who was later moved between various churches.

"Hopefully this will establish the direction for his leadership, because we want to work with him," Hickey stated. "We have the same goal, we want to end clergy abuse."

Significant Encounter

Seven members of the organization, which represents victims and advocates from more than 30 countries, engaged with the Pope in his official residence.

The discussion, originally scheduled 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 described as "very understanding" when listening to the story of a female survivor victimized at a church-run institution for native youth in Canada.

They noted the Pope was "compassionate" about their own experience and seemed "very humble, humorous, and approachable."

"Victims have consistently sought a voice in discussions and I didn't feel like he was giving us lip service," they stated. "I believed like he was sincere, practical, and receptive and eager to work with us."

Church Regulations Changes

The organization is advocating that changes to church regulations will enable the adoption of the strict approach globally.

They have consulted specialists and compiled materials that they will submit to the pontiff.

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

Accountability Highlighted

A recent church-ordered report emphasized the "importance of a streamlined protocol for the resignation and/or removal of religious officials or personnel in cases of misconduct or negligence."

The report also noted that victims repeatedly stressed the "critical requirement for bishops and senior officials to be made responsible for inaction and cover-up."

Path Ahead

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

Following the meeting, Hickey expressed hope for future change.

"We realise it's not something that's going to be resolved quickly, but at the end of the day, uniting and building a connection and continuing to strengthen that bond is a step in the right direction," they stated.

Hickey concluded that they told with the pontiff: "Just because it's a difficult period, I believe like we can alter how the story ends - he valued that."