Pope Leo XIV met with an organization of clergy abuse survivors and advocates for the first time on Monday, marking a difference from his predecessors, who had kept activist and advocacy organizations at arm's length.

The meeting, which included four victims and two advocates with Ending Clergy Abuse, a global organization of abuse victims and activists, lasted about an hour.

Gemma Hickey, a Canadian survivor and president of the group's board of directors, said the meeting with the pontiff was a "deeply meaningful conversation" that reflected a "shared commitment to justice, healing and real change."

"Survivors have long sought a seat at the table, and today we felt heard," Hickey said in a statement .

Janet Aguti, left, and Evelyn Korkmaz, from the global organization of abuse vict

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