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People who experienced abuse by church officials have expressed fresh optimism following their initial meeting with Pope Leo at the Holy See.

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

Worldwide Strict Approach Pushed

The organization is advocating for a worldwide strict approach that would defrock any clergy member who confesses to or is proven of sexually abusing a minor. This policy has been implemented in the United States.

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

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

Legacy Challenge

The current pontiff, who assumed the position in spring, has inherited this longstanding issue that has plagued the Catholic Church for decades.

Earlier attempts to resolve the problem included an unprecedented meeting on paedophilia within the institution and changes to canon law to clearly outlaw sexual abuse.

Deeply Felt Connection

For the representative, who prefers gender-neutral pronouns, the campaign for worldwide adoption of the measure is personal. The North American activist shared they were victimized by a priest who was later transferred between different parishes.

"Hopefully this will establish the direction for his papacy, because we want to collaborate with him," Hickey expressed. "Both sides share the common objective, we want to end abuse by religious officials."

Historic Encounter

Seven members of the coalition, which includes victims and advocates from more than 30 countries, met with the Pontiff in his official residence.

The discussion, originally scheduled for 20 minutes, 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 abused at a church-run institution for Indigenous children in Canada.

They added the Pope was "tender" about their personal story and seemed "modest, humorous, and approachable."

"Victims have consistently sought a seat at the table and I didn't feel like he was making empty promises," Hickey commented. "I felt like he was sincere, realistic, and receptive and eager to collaborate with us."

Church Regulations Reforms

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

They have consulted specialists and compiled documents that they plan to submit to Pope Leo.

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

Responsibility Emphasized

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

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

Path Ahead

The representative revealed they told the pontiff at the start of their discussion: "This represents as much a challenge for him to participate in a conversation as it was for us."

Following the meeting, Hickey expressed hope for progress.

"We understand it's not something that's going to happen overnight, but at the end of the day, uniting and establishing a relationship and persisting to strengthen that bond is a move in the correct path," they commented.

They added that they shared with the pontiff: "Even though it's a difficult period, I feel like we can change how the story ends - he appreciated that."