In a historic meeting at the Vatican on Monday, Pope Leo XIV convened with representatives from Ending Clergy Abuse (ECA), a global organization advocating for survivors of clergy abuse and pushing for a universal zero-tolerance policy within the Catholic Church. This marked the first time a pope has formally engaged with an activist group dedicated to this cause. The ECA, which campaigns to extend the U.S. church’s stringent abuse policies worldwide, emphasized the need for the permanent removal from ministry of any priest found guilty of child abuse. During the meeting, Pope Leo acknowledged the significant resistance to implementing a universal zero-tolerance law but expressed his willingness to collaborate with ECA and the Vatican to advance the initiative. Tim Law, co-founder of ECA, highlighted the pope’s openness to dialogue and his recognition of the importance of addressing systemic issues within the Church. While previous popes, including Francis and Benedict XVI, have met with individual survivors, they have largely avoided direct engagement with advocacy organizations. Pope Leo’s meeting with ECA underscores his commitment to addressing clergy abuse more proactively, building on his prior experience as a bishop in Peru, where he was known for listening to victims’ concerns.
Pope meets with board of global organization of clergy sexual abuse victims to talk zero-tolerance
