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Individuals who endured sexual abuse by Catholic clergy have voiced fresh optimism following their first encounter with the new Pope at the Vatican.

Gemma Hickey, who leads the anti-abuse organization, stated that the pontiff's decision to meet with them so soon in his leadership spoke volumes about his dedication to tackling the problem.

Worldwide Strict Approach Pushed

The organization is advocating for a global zero-tolerance policy that would defrock any clergy member who admits to or is found guilty of abusing a minor. This policy has been implemented in the US.

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

"We were all being realistic when we recognized that there is pushback," Hickey stated.

Legacy Challenge

The new Pope, who took the role in spring, has taken on this persistent issue that has haunted the Church for many years.

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

Personal Link

For the representative, who prefers they/them pronouns, the campaign for worldwide adoption of the measure is personal. The North American advocate revealed they were victimized by a clergy member who was later moved between different parishes.

"We trust this will set the tone for his leadership, because we aim to work with him," they expressed. "We have the same goal, we want to eliminate clergy abuse."

Historic Encounter

Seven representatives of the coalition, which includes survivors and supporters from more than 30 countries, engaged with the Pontiff in his Vatican office.

The discussion, initially planned for 20 minutes, extended to a sixty minutes, during which the religious leader "primarily heard to us," according to Hickey.

The Pope was described as "very understanding" when listening to the story of a woman abused at a church-run institution for native youth in Canada.

They added the leader was "compassionate" about their own experience and seemed "modest, humorous, and very down to earth."

"Survivors have long wanted a seat at the table and I didn't perceive like he was giving us lip service," Hickey stated. "I felt like he was sincere, practical, and receptive and eager to work with us."

Church Regulations Changes

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

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

"He appeared interested in reviewing it," Hickey noted.

Accountability Emphasized

A recent church-ordered report highlighted the "necessity of a streamlined protocol for the resignation and/or removal of Church leaders or staff in cases of misconduct or negligence."

The report also pointed out that victims consistently emphasized the "urgent need for bishops and senior officials to be made responsible for inaction and cover-up."

Moving Forward

The representative revealed they told the Pope at the start of their meeting: "This represents as much a challenge for him to engage in a dialogue 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 build that relationship is a move in the correct path," Hickey stated.

They concluded that they shared with Pope Leo: "Just because it's a difficult period, I feel like we can change how the narrative concludes - he valued that."