On June 6, 2025, the International Young Catholic Students (IYCS) was honored to take part in a consultation on “Accompanying the Implementation Phase of the Synod on Synodality,” hosted at the Jesuit Curia in Rome. The meeting brought together a select group of representatives from ecclesial movements, international associations, and new communities to explore the evolving role of lay engagement and youth participation in the Church’s journey toward the Post-Synodal Ecclesial Assembly scheduled for October 2028.

Representing IYCS at this important gathering were Secretary General Roshan Melwyn Lobo and Rev. Fr. Justo de la Fuente Fernández, the incoming International Chaplain of the movement. Their presence underscored IYCS’s commitment to walking with the global Church during this critical phase of synodal implementation. Organised by IMCS and ICMICA Pax Romana, in collaboration with the IYTC-Pax Romana Laudato Si’ Center in Chiang Mai and the General Secretariat of the Synod on Synodality of the Vatican, the consultation was a part of a broader set of events taking place in Rome. These included the Annual Meeting of Moderators of International Associations of the Faithful and the Jubilee of Ecclesial Movements.

The consultation focused on how ecclesial movements, particularly those led by youth and laity, can contribute meaningfully to the synodal journey. The discussions examined key moments such as the upcoming Jubilee of Youth in July 2025 and the 2027 World Youth Day in Seoul, alongside reflection on the legacy of the 2018 Synod on Youth and Pope Francis’ apostolic exhortation Christus Vivit. Participants were encouraged to reflect deeply on how the Church can become more inclusive, participatory, and mission-oriented—principles that have been consistently advocated by Pope Francis and which now continue under the early leadership of Pope Leo XIV.

Among the notable sessions was a panel moderated by Anselmo Lee from the IYTC Steering Committee, which featured a presentation by Sr. Nathalie Becquart, Under Secretary of the General Secretariat for the Synod of Bishops. Further dialogue focused on youth and synodality, moderated by Fasika Lachore, Secretary General of IMCS Pax Romana, with contributions from Linda Ghisoni and Fr. Franco Galdino of the Dicastery for Laity, Family and Life. The IYCS delegation actively participated in these conversations, bringing perspectives from Catholic students around the world.

Secretary General Roshan Melwyn Lobo and Fr. Justo emphasized the vital role of youth as active protagonists in shaping the present and future of the Church. Their intervention highlighted the importance of creating authentic spaces for listening, shared discernment, and collaborative decision-making. They advocated for greater integration of digital synodality and ecological consciousness, along with sustained efforts to engage the marginalized and elevate the voices of those often unheard in traditional Church structures.

This consultation marked a crucial step in reaffirming the role of IYCS in the synodal journey, offering young people a meaningful place in the dialogue and direction of the universal Church. It also laid important groundwork for collaboration among movements in the lead-up to global ecclesial events in the years to come, strengthening the Church’s call to communion, participation, and mission.

Key Documents:

👉 Final Document of the Synod (October 2024):
https://www.synod.va/en/news/final-document-of-the-xvi-assembly.html

👉 Pope Francis’ Apostolic Exhortation Christus Vivit:
https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/apost_exhortations/documents/papa-francesco_esortazione-ap_20190325_christus-vivit.html