As the Church mourns the loss of Pope Francis, those involved with the National Institute for Ministry with Young Adults are remembering the impact he had on their ministries.

In an article recently published by National Catholic Reporter, Nick Stein, who is NIMYA's chair of the board of directors, reflected on Francis's approach to the younger generations through the Synod of Bishops on young people, the faith, and vocational discernment.

"I don't think the synod of synodality — and all that has changed because of that multi-year process and movement — would have happened in the way that it did, had it not been for the synod on young people," said Stein, who is also the international director of Bon Secours Young Adults. "It was the young people who challenged the prevailing structure and made their voices heard, who asked for the pope to take them seriously, that led to changes in the structure of the synod, that led to the inclusion of laypeople, that led to the round tables and real discussions."

The Synod was announced in 2016. 

To read the full article and more reflections from those involved with NIYMA, click here.