The IYCS program coordinator, Roy Ibrahim, met with Pope Francis at the Vatican on March 15, 2023, marking a significant opportunity to continue Cardinal Cardijn’s legacy of lay apostolate and enhance collaboration between clergy and laity in the Church. The occasion was part of the preparation for an ecumenical project called “Together Gathering of the People of God,” aimed at uniting Christians from various denominations for a night of prayer and reflection in Rome on September 30. Leading up to the event, the IYCS collaborated with Vatican departments, including the Dicastery for the Unity of Christians, the Dicastery for Laity, Family, and Life, and the Vicariate of Rome from March 12 to 14, to prepare the event. This collaboration emphasized the common goal of promoting unity and fraternity among Christians.

The project aligns with Cardinal Cardijn’s influence on the Church’s approach to evangelization and social action, inspiring the concept of Synodality. The IYCS played a pivotal role in coordinating and mobilizing young participants for the ‘Together Gathering’ in Rome on September 31, 2023, in collaboration with the Taize Brothers. This event showcased the IYCS’s commitment to fostering unity and participation among young people on a broader ecumenical platform, providing a meaningful platform for dialogue and understanding among diverse communities. The article highlights the historic importance of the event and the organization’s dedication to creating a more inclusive and active Church for all.