World Youth Clubs Council Member Monsignor Hilary Franco recently had a private audience with His Holiness Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican. Monsignor Hilary Franco serves as a Vatican diplomat and Advisor of the Permanent Observer of the Holy See to the United Nations. Their discussion spanned key global topics, with a special focus on the urgent challenges facing youth worldwide and the importance of community-led organizations like our WYC Affiliates, which provide safe spaces, mentorship, and life skills to equip young people to become world-changers. Monsignor Franco shared how WYC’s global network works to meet these needs by connecting resources, fostering collaboration, and amplifying youth voices on the world stage.  

During their conversation, Monsignor Franco also spoke warmly about his recent appointment to the WYC Council, calling it an opportunity to expand his lifelong work for youth. Monsignor Franco expressed his deep commitment to helping WYC continue its work of inspiring, guiding, and empowering youth across the globe and ensuring that the needs and potential of young people remain at the forefront of the global conversation.