Starting when I was 7 years-old, I was sexually abused by a priest at my Catholic school. The trauma has impacted me to this day, and I am only one of countless victims I've met since joining the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests. Now the Catholic Church has to select a new pope and survivors like me are demanding that the cardinals choose someone with a zero tolerance policy for abuse. While my abuse occurred decades ago, survivors today are still being failed by a system that shields abusers, protects secrecy, and refuses to fully cooperate with law enforcement. Pope Francis himself covered up sexual crimes in Argentina before becoming pope and failed to use his authority to eradicate abuse within the Church. The next pope must do more than offer prayers. He must make justice mandatory. The bishops of the world – including the 135 cardinals who will choose the next pope – collectively possess knowledge of thousands of abusive priests still serving in parishes and schools. We must demand a true zero tolerance policy, which means removing these offenders immediately and holding bishops accountable for keeping them in ministry. If we fail, rapists and pedophiles will continue to be protected and employed by the church while children like me will spend the rest of their lives trying to survive the trauma of their abuse. Sign now to demand real, lasting change from the next pope. | 
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