The head of the International Movement of Catholic Students (IMCS) Pax Romana said Pope Francis’ message during a private audience has reignited a sense of purpose.
“His call for young people to be protagonists of social change resonated with me, especially given the diverse challenges young people face in Asia,” said William Nokrek, International President of the organization.
Nokrek said the pontiff’s words reminded him “that our mission is not only to educate but to empower students to take meaningful action—whether it’s in addressing human rights, poverty, or environmental justice. Together, we can build a future rooted in peace, justice, and dignity.”
During a private audience with members of the IMCS Pax Romana, Pope Francis praised the group’s commitment to social justice and integral human development, urging young people to become champions of charity and service.
Drawing from reflections of the 2018 Synod on Young People, the Pope encouraged the youth to continue working toward a more compassionate and just world.
“Your presence and activity – whether in academic settings, workplaces, or city streets – serve this end by working to sculpt a more compassionate, harmonious, and fraternal world,” the prelate said.
He highlighted the organization’s work in education and leadership training in countries such as France, Thailand, and Kenya as key examples of how young people can make a meaningful impact in their communities.
Pope Francis underscored the importance of global citizenship and local action, stating that the Pax Romana movement empowers young people to both understand pressing social issues and promote impactful changes.
In light of the Church’s ongoing Synod on Synodality, the Pope called on the members of Pax Romana to actively participate in the Church’s synodal journey by listening, engaging, and discerning the voice of the Holy Spirit.
Pope Francis expressed his hope that the meeting would inspire them to continue promoting peace, harmony, justice, and mercy.
Fr. Jojo Fung, SJ, IMCS Pax Romana International Chaplain, said the private audience with the Pope on Sept. 20 was “a historic moment of Holy See’s affirmation of IMCS Pax Romana as a centenary movement within the synodal church.”
The Jesuit priest said Pope Francis’ message “brought immense jubilation and missionary motivation” for the IMCS in Asia and the Global South.
Fr. Fung emphasized the vital role of IMCS in these regions in fostering a multicultural and interreligious world, with a focus on empowering the youth to build an equitable, green, and inclusive society that upholds human dignity, rights, and justice, especially in a world grappling with the impacts of the climate polycrisis.
