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

The board president, who leads the anti-abuse organization, stated that the pontiff's choice to meet with them so soon in his papacy spoke volumes about his commitment to addressing the problem.

Global Strict Policy Advocated

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

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

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

Legacy Issue

The current pontiff, who assumed the role in spring, has taken on this longstanding issue that has plagued the Church for many years.

Previous efforts to resolve the problem included an historic summit on child abuse within the Church and revisions to church laws to explicitly criminalize sexual abuse.

Deeply Felt Link

For the representative, who prefers they/them pronouns, the drive for worldwide adoption of the policy is deeply meaningful. The Canadian advocate shared they were abused by a priest who was subsequently moved between different parishes.

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

Historic Encounter

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

The meeting, initially planned for 20 minutes, extended to a full hour, during which the Pope "primarily heard to us," according to the representative.

The pontiff was characterized as "very understanding" when hearing the account of a female survivor abused at a Catholic residential school for Indigenous children in Canada.

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

"Victims have consistently sought a seat at the table and I didn't feel like he was giving us lip service," they stated. "I felt like he was genuine, realistic, and receptive and keen to collaborate with us."

Canon Law Reforms

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

They have spoken with experts and gathered materials that they plan to present to Pope Leo.

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

Responsibility Emphasized

A recent Vatican-commissioned report emphasized the "importance of a streamlined protocol for the stepping down and/or dismissal of religious officials or personnel in cases of abuse or negligence."

The document also pointed out that survivors consistently emphasized the "critical requirement for bishops and major superiors to be held accountable for negligence and concealment."

Path Ahead

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

Following the encounter, they expressed optimism for future change.

"We understand it's not something that's going to happen overnight, but at the conclusion, coming together and building a connection and continuing to strengthen that relationship is a step in the correct path," they stated.

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