Pope Francis convened day one of a landmark summit at the Vatican Thursday, entitled, The Protection of Minors in the Church.

It included the presidents of every Episcopal Conference from around the world, and is designed to discuss the issue of clergy sexual abuse within the Church.

The pope told close to 200 senior-level Bishops on hand it was their responsibility to deal with the issue.

Bishops are expected to learn the importance of preventing and investigating sex abuse crimes in their churches.

"The holy people of God are looking at us, and expect of us, not simple condemnation, but concrete and effective measures to put in place. We need to be concrete,” said the pope.

James Faluszczak of Buffalo, a former priest and clergy sex-abuse survivor, is in Rome and attended a vigil for other survivors as well.

"It's a moment, in our own ways, to pray, to stand together in solidarity. By lending my voice to this, I think maybe, another victim will hear me and realize that they're not alone and maybe get the courage to go see a counselor or go to law enforcement,” he said.

Faluszczak says he and the others want the Pope to enact a zero tolerance policy against Bishops who cover up crimes.

And while he says he doesn't have high hopes the Pope will do that, it's important to issue the challenge and help move the Church in a more positive direction.

"If he doesn't get his house in order, the people in the pews who are disgusted by this, who are weary of hearing this, they will vote with their feet and their collection money for zero tolerance,” said Faluszczak.

Bishop of Buffalo Richard Malone said in part to Spectrum News, he along with his fellow bishops in the state and across the country:

"...pray this gathering will result in greater steps to assist victims on the journey of healing and for the people of the Church throughout the world - to restore and rebuild faith, hope and trust. I commit myself, the priests, deacons, religious and laity of our diocese to continue to ensure that responsibility, accountability and transparency are primary and in the forefront of all we do in our ministry."

Day two of the summit on Friday will take on the issue of accountability and the protection of children, while Saturday will focus on transparency.

The four-day summit wraps up Sunday with a mass and closing address from the pope.