On 6th June 2025, during the concluding day of the Annual Meeting of Moderators of Ecclesial Movements, Associations, and New Communities, His Holiness Pope Leo XIV welcomed the participants in a deeply spiritual and inspiring audience held in the New Synod Hall at the Vatican. The Holy Father addressed the gathering, offered his apostolic blessing, and reflected on the themes of charisms, unity, and mission—central to the life of the Church and its ecclesial movements.

His Holiness opened his remarks invoking the Trinitarian blessing—“In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit”—and warmly greeted the assembled moderators, international leaders, and delegates, including the representatives from IYCS, acknowledging their significant contribution to the life and mission of the Church. He expressed gratitude for their dedication in guiding and encouraging the faithful within their respective associations and communities, especially in times of complexity and misunderstanding.

In his message, Pope Leo XIV emphasized the gift of associations and charisms, recognizing the variety and richness of ecclesial realities—some born from apostolic or charitable missions, others from spiritual or charismatic inspiration. “No one is Christian alone,” the Holy Father reminded the assembly, citing St. Augustine and affirming that Christian life is communal, grounded in a shared journey of faith. He noted that charisms are raised up by the Holy Spirit to make sacramental grace fruitful in every level of Christian life, helping people encounter Christ more profoundly.

Highlighting the co-essential nature of hierarchical and charismatic gifts, Pope Leo XIV underlined how both are essential to the divine constitution of the Church. Movements, like IYCS, play a crucial role in drawing people to Christ and fostering community life, spiritual growth, and evangelization. He reflected that, without charisms, the abundance of grace risks being left unreceived.

The Holy Father went on to stress two essential priorities: Unity and Mission. He called upon all associations and movements to be leaven of unity, in communion with Church authorities and in harmony with other ecclesial realities, especially in today’s world, deeply affected by division and violence. Echoing the words of St. Paulinus of Nola, he reminded the faithful that unity in Christ is the basis of the Church’s strength and mission.

Regarding the Church’s mission, Pope Leo XIV praised the apostolic zeal of movements and communities, recognizing their commitment to spreading the Gospel in challenging contexts. He encouraged them to remain alert to new situations and to put their talents and energy at the service of evangelization—whether in parishes, first-evangelization areas, or among those waiting unknowingly to hear the Word of God.

In conclusion, the Pope encouraged all participants to keep Jesus at the center, reiterating that charisms are ultimately directed towards an encounter with Christ and the building up of the Church. He invited all leaders and communities to imitate Christ’s self-emptying love and to find joy and freedom in serving others. Entrusting all to the care of Mary, Mother of the Church, he imparted his Apostolic Blessing.

This audience was particularly meaningful for IYCS as it marked the first official papal audience for Rev. Fr. Justo de la Fuente Fernández M.Id., the Incoming International Chaplain for IYCS, alongside Secretary General Mr. Roshan Melwyn Lobo, reaffirming IYCS’s commitment to its mission of forming young Catholics in faith, hope, and service.

🔗 Read the full message of the Holy Father here: Message by Pope Leo XIV – 6 June 2025

Photo Credit: Vatican Media. Text Excerpt: © Dicastero per la Comunicazione – Libreria Editrice Vaticana. Used here for non-commercial, informational purposes only.