VATICAN CITY (VATICAN CITY)
Ending Clergy Abuse (ECAGlobal.org) [Seattle WA]
October 20, 2025
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.
The ECA Board will hold a press conference today at 1:00 p.m. at the Hotel Trianon in Rome to share further reflections.
For More Information:
Gemma Hickey (Canada)
ECA Board President
📧 gemmamhickey@gmail.com | 📞 +1 709 690 5244
Janet Aguti (Uganda)
ECA Board Vice-President
📧 janetaguti1@gmail.com | 📞 +256 759 195484
Tim Law (USA)
ECA Co-founder and Board Member
📧 timalaw@aol.com | 📞 +1 206 412 0165
Matthias Katsch (Germany)
ECA Co-founder and Board Member
📧 matthias.katsch@eckiger-tisch.de | 📞 +49 178 1674838
Evelyn Korkmaz (Canada–Indigenous)
ECA Co-founder and Board Member
📧 ekorkmaz16@hotmail.com | 📞 +1 613 854 1303
Sergio Salinas (Argentina)
ECA Board Member
📧 sergiosalinas@gmail.com | 📞 +54 9 2615 11-6963