Victims of sex abuse by members of the Catholic clergy have expressed hope after meeting Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican for the first time.
Gemma Hickey, board president of Ending Clergy Abuse (ECA Global), told the BBC it spoke volumes that the Pope met with them so soon in his papacy. The group advocates for a global zero-tolerance policy against priests who admit to or are proven to have sexually abused children. Hickey noted that the Pope acknowledged resistance to this policy in various regions.
The new Pope has inherited an issue that has haunted the Catholic Church for decades. His predecessor, Pope Francis, made attempts to address the problem through a summit and reforms, but issues remain,
including a lack of accountability among Church leaders.
During the meeting, which was expected to last 20 minutes but extended to an hour, the Pope actively listened to survivors’ stories, showing empathy towards those who had suffered within the Church. Hickey described the Pope as humble, funny, and down to earth.
The survivors are hopeful that the shift in leadership could facilitate the adoption of a worldwide zero-tolerance policy against clerical abuse, aiming to improve accountability and transparent communication with victims. Hickey stated that engaging with the Pope was a significant first step to establishing a productive relationship focused on eradicating clergy abuse. They left the meeting with optimism for future collaboration and commitment to protect vulnerable individuals within the Church.
Gemma Hickey, board president of Ending Clergy Abuse (ECA Global), told the BBC it spoke volumes that the Pope met with them so soon in his papacy. The group advocates for a global zero-tolerance policy against priests who admit to or are proven to have sexually abused children. Hickey noted that the Pope acknowledged resistance to this policy in various regions.
The new Pope has inherited an issue that has haunted the Catholic Church for decades. His predecessor, Pope Francis, made attempts to address the problem through a summit and reforms, but issues remain,
including a lack of accountability among Church leaders.
During the meeting, which was expected to last 20 minutes but extended to an hour, the Pope actively listened to survivors’ stories, showing empathy towards those who had suffered within the Church. Hickey described the Pope as humble, funny, and down to earth.
The survivors are hopeful that the shift in leadership could facilitate the adoption of a worldwide zero-tolerance policy against clerical abuse, aiming to improve accountability and transparent communication with victims. Hickey stated that engaging with the Pope was a significant first step to establishing a productive relationship focused on eradicating clergy abuse. They left the meeting with optimism for future collaboration and commitment to protect vulnerable individuals within the Church.
