Historic 1st Meeting of Pope Leo XIV with Abuse Survivors from ECA Global - VIDEO

Pope Leo XIV, on Oct. 20, received six members of ECA Global (Ending Clergy Abuse) , an international human rights association that works for greater support and compensation for victims of abuse and calls for stronger commitment and cooperation from the Catholic Church. Participants describe the audience as “a historic and hope-filled step toward greater cooperation.” 

It was the first time since his election that Pope Leo XIV met with a group of abuse survivors and activists engaged in fighting what recent Popes have called a “scourge.”

On Monday morning, the Pope received six members of the ECA Global board of directors. The human rights association counts members from more than 30 countries on six continents, including activists and survivors of sexual abuse by representatives of the Catholic Church. Since its founding in 2018, the network—particularly active in the United States—has sought to ensure that the Catholic Church follows the 2014 United Nations recommendations for an effective “zero tolerance” policy.

According to ECA members, today’s audience with Pope Leo “certainly marks a historic and hope-filled step toward greater cooperation.”
These words were included in a statement released by the organization and later shared with the press during a press conference. The six participants were Gemma Hickey (Canada), Timothy Law (USA), Evelyn Korkmaz (Canada, First Nation), Matthias Katsch (Germany), Janet Aguti (Uganda), and Sergio Salinas (Argentina). They come from different backgrounds and cultures, united by the same goal: to ensure that abuse never happens again and to promote more effective collaboration with the Church.
FULL TEXT STATEMENT by ECA: 
In a historic and hopeful step toward greater cooperation, the Board of Ending Clergy Abuse (ECA Global), an international coalition of survivors and human rights advocates, met this morning with Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican, marking a significant moment of dialogue between the Catholic Church and advocates representing survivors of clergy sexual abuse from more than 30 countries.
“This was a deeply meaningful conversation,” said Gemma Hickey, ECA Board President and Canadian survivor of clergy abuse.

“It reflects a shared commitment to justice, healing, and real change. Survivors have long sought a seat at the table, and today we felt heard.”

Today’s meeting followed a letter sent by ECA earlier this year to the newly elected Pope. In a gesture of openness, Pope Leo XIV responded positively, welcoming the opportunity for a direct and respectful conversation about the path forward.

“We came not only to raise our concerns, but also to explore how we might work together to ensure the protection of children and vulnerable adults around the world,” said Janet Aguti, ECA Board Vice-President from Uganda. “We believe collaboration is possible, and necessary.”
“The Church has a moral responsibility to support survivors and prevent future harm,” added Tim Law, ECA Co-founder and Board Member from the U.S. “Our goal is not confrontation, but accountability, transparency, and a willingness to walk together toward solutions.”
During the meeting, ECA Global shared its Zero Tolerance Initiative, emphasizing the importance of consistent global standards, survivor-centered policies.

“As a Residential School survivor, I carry the weight of intergenerational trauma caused by institutions that were meant to protect us. Today’s meeting is another step on the path towards truth and reconciliation,” said Evelyn Korkmaz, ECA Co-founder and Board Member, and survivor from the Nishnawbe Aski Nation in Canada.”

ECA Board members also reflected on the emotional significance of the dialogue.

“We come in hope,” said Matthias Katsch, ECA Co-founder and Board Member from Germany. “Hope for justice, hope for fair compensation, and hope for better safeguards for children and vulnerable adults.”

“We highlighted the relevance of our ECA Global’s work and expressed our desire to move forward in partnership,” said Sergio Salinas, ECA Board Member from Argentina.

ECA Global has been at the forefront of international efforts to end clergy abuse and ensure institutional accountability. The Board concluded the meeting by emphasizing the urgent need for continued dialogue, compassion, and collaborative action to build a future where safety, accountability, and dignity are not only upheld but where the voices of survivors lead the way.
Source: Vatican News and Ecaglobal.org