Catholic youth movements worldwide expressed their collective hopes, prayers, and vision for the next pope.
It is initiated by Pax Romana–International Movement of Catholic Students (IMCS-MIEC), International Youth Training Center (IYTC)–Pax Romana Laudato Si’ Center, and International Young Catholic Students (IYCS-JECI) along with youth partners.
“This global appeal honors the legacy of Pope Francis and urges the College of Cardinals to elect a shepherd rooted in mercy, justice, inclusivity, and care for creation,” William Nokrek, IMCS President, told RVA News.
“These are the collective hopes and aspirations of Catholic young people for the next Pope, guided by the Holy Spirit,” he added.
On May 1, a Catholic youth-led initiative issued a press statement on Conclave 2025: “With deep sorrow and profound gratitude, we young Catholics from different countries and cultures remember the life and teachings of Pope Francis with the utmost respect and admiration. He was a shepherd of peace, justice, and care for creation, as well as a true friend of young people.”
“United by our common faith and guided by the Spirit of Christ, we offer this statement with deep hope and prayer as the College of Cardinals gathers to elect Pope Francis's successor,” the press note said.
As young people living in a rapidly changing world, marked by crises and new possibilities, the Catholic youth affirm their love for the Church and desire to walk together on the synodal path.
“We also recognize the urgent need for renewed discerning leadership to carry forward Pope Francis' legacy of mercy, dialogue, and care for our common home,” the statement said.
They also expressed their hopes for the new pope, saying, “Listen to the voices of the young and marginalized, especially those on the margins of society and the Church.”
The next pope would “commit to peace, justice, and care for creation in line with the spirituality of the Beatitudes (Matthew 5:3) and continue to take a prophetic stand against war, poverty, climate injustice, and all forms of exclusion and exploitation.”
According to Youth Moments, the successor of Peter would “promote an inclusive and welcoming Church where everyone, especially those who seek protection regardless of their race, ethnicity, economic or social class, gender, or sexuality, is treated with dignity and love.”
The leader of 1.4 billion members of the Catholic Church would “embrace the spirit of synodality by fostering lay participation, active listening, and shared responsibility at all levels of the Church.”
He would “support youth formation and leadership by investing in our faith, education, and mission as the agents of a more just and compassionate world, in line with Catholic social teaching set out in Laudato Si', Fratelli Tutti, and Christus Vivit.”
Under the leadership of the newly elected pope, the Catholic youth movements would commit to “continuing to live out the Gospel with joy, courage, and creativity.”
“In the face of the multiple global crises, we will be agents of social and ecological transformation,” the press note said. “We will be ‘protagonists of the revolution of charity and service” (Christus Vivit, no. 174) for peace, justice, reconciliation, and solidarity.”
“We will put the teachings of Laudato Si’ and Fratelli Tutti into practice in our daily life, including in our studies, our work, and our social services,” it read. “We will continue to walk the synodal journey in communion with the whole People of God and listen with a discerning heart to the voice of the Holy Spirit as we respond to the cries of the poor and the earth.”
They urged the College of Cardinals to read the signs of the times and elect a shepherd who embodies humility, boldness, and closeness to people on the periphery and young people that Christ exemplified.
“We encourage our fellow young people to pray, speak out, and act with hope. The future of the Church and Mother Earth belongs to all of us,” the statement said.
The conclave is scheduled to begin on May 7.
The statement was endorsed by Catholic youth movements, student organizations, and young leaders from across the continents: Pax Romana—International Movement of Catholic Students (IMCS/MIEC) International, Pax Romana—International Movement of Catholic Students (IMCS) Asia-Pacific, Pax Romana—International Catholic Movement of Intellectual and Cultural Affairs (ICMICA) Asia-Pacific, International Young Training Center (IYTC)—Pax Romana Laudato Si Center in Chiang Mai, Thailand, JECI-MIEC European Coordination, Pax Romana—International Movement of Catholic Students (IMCS/MIEC), Pax Romana—Africa, Pax Romana—International Catholic Movement of Intellectual and Cultural Affairs (ICMICA/MIIC), and International Young Catholic Students (IYCS-JECI).
