A Historic Audience with Pope Francis:  IMCS Pax Romana’s Vision for Youth, Faith, and Social Justice

On September 20, 2024, IMCS Pax Romana had the extraordinary privilege of a private audience with Pope Francis at the Vatican. This historic event was more than a meeting; it was a resounding endorsement from the Church for IMCS Pax Romana’s mission to inspire young Catholics to lead in building a more just, compassionate, and inclusive world. Pope Francis’s message was profound, serving as both a call to action and a blessing on IMCS Pax Romana’s commitment to youth-led advocacy and Catholic social teaching.

Pope Francis’s Vision for Young Catholics: A Revolution of Charity and Service

Addressing IMCS members, Pope Francis acknowledged the organisation’s dedication to social justice and human development, emphasising the value of their faith-inspired efforts in a world often marked by division and indifference. He urged young Catholics to be “protagonists of the revolution of charity and service,” echoing the Church’s 2018 Synod on Young People, which stressed the importance of youth as catalysts of change. This vision resonated deeply with IMCS Pax Romana’s mission, affirming that their advocacy aligns with a broader Church movement to create compassionate leaders through faith and action.

Pope Francis highlighted IMCS Pax Romana’s global impact, particularly through its educational centres in Pax Romana Centennial Centre (PRCC), France, the International Youth Training Centre (IYTC), Thailand, and Kenya. Here, young leaders are formed in the Gospel’s message of peace and service and empowered to tackle issues like poverty, inequality, and human rights violations. By promoting a culture of global citizenship, IMCS Pax Romana bridges faith and real-world challenges, reinforcing the Pope’s vision of faith in action.

Engaging in the Synod on Synodality: Walking Together with the Church

During the audience, Pope Francis emphasised the Synod on Synodality, inviting IMCS Pax Romana to engage deeply in this journey of “walking together.” He urged IMCS members to participate in open dialogue, discernment, and communal reflection as they work alongside the Church to address today’s pressing needs. This synodal journey, he noted, is an opportunity for young Catholics to contribute their voices and insights, ensuring that the Church remains open and adaptable to the concerns of its followers.

Preparing for the Holy Year 2025: A Call for Renewal and Spiritual Enrichment

Pope Francis encouraged IMCS members to view the Holy Year 2025 as a “privileged opportunity for personal renewal and spiritual enrichment.” This invitation is especially significant, as the Holy Year’s theme focuses on unity and pilgrimage, symbolised by the Holy Door. Pope Francis reminded attendees that this Door serves as a reminder of the Church’s journey toward transformation—a journey requiring active engagement from youth.

A Mission of Peace, Justice, and Human Rights

In closing, Pope Francis invoked blessings on IMCS Pax Romana’s work, expressing hope that their efforts will foster “peace, harmony, justice, human rights, and mercy” worldwide. He entrusted the group to Mary, Queen of Peace, and drew inspiration from Blessed Giorgio Frassati, a Catholic youth and social activist symbolising IMCS’s spirit. This blessing strengthens the organisation’s resolve to champion the rights of marginalised communities and advocate for justice globally.

A Catalyst for Global Catholic Youth Action

For IMCS Pax Romana, this audience with Pope Francis is a high honour and a call to action. It solidifies the organisation’s role as a global leader in Catholic youth activism, emphasising its potential to shape the Church’s future and inspire a new generation of young Catholics. This meeting energises IMCS Pax Romana’s members, instilling a renewed sense of purpose to bridge faith and social justice.

IMCS Pax Romana is committed to using this monumental encounter as a springboard for intensified promotion, advocacy, and engagement with Catholic youth worldwide. Pope Francis’s words resonate as an endorsement of IMCS Pax Romana’s mission and as an invitation to further expand the organisation’s reach, ensuring that young Catholics everywhere are empowered to be agents of positive change in their communities and in the world.