Episode 025 - Accompaniment in Action: Pope Francis, Young Adults, and the Global Church with Nicholas Stein

SUMMARY

In this episode, Christopher Wesley sits down with Nicholas Stein, International Director of Bon Secours Young Adults, for a timely and heartfelt conversation about Pope Francis’ legacy, young adult ministry, and what it means to be a universal Church that listens and sends. With the recent passing of Pope Francis, Nick reflects on the pope’s influence—especially through Christus Vivit—and shares stories from his global work helping young adults encounter faith in culturally relevant, mission-centered ways.

Nick offers a unique perspective shaped by his international role, working across continents to help young adults not only feel seen but also be sent. He shares how different pastoral structures across countries have shaped his ministry, what we can learn from World Youth Day, and why Pope Francis’ focus on dialogue, listening, and accompaniment was never just buzzwords—it was transformation.

This episode is full of wisdom for those grieving the pope’s passing, those walking with young adults, and anyone discerning how to be Church in a rapidly changing world.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Christus Vivit remains a defining legacy of Pope Francis. Nick names it as the “most personal” and “kerygmatically clear” document of the papacy—especially Chapter 4 (the love letter to young people) and Chapter 7 (on ministry).
  
  
• The global Church is unified, but not uniform. From England to Peru, ministry structures vary, but the heart of accompaniment and relational ministry remains the same.
  
  
• Pope Francis prioritized synodality through action. World Youth Day in Lisbon shifted its format to prioritize conversation, not just catechesis, challenging bishops to sit and listen to young people.
  
  
• Accompaniment is slow but real. Echoing Evangelii Gaudium, Nick reminds us that “time is greater than space,” meaning ministry is about planting seeds—not chasing instant results.
  
  
• Grief is a form of love. As young adults process the death of Pope Francis—many knowing no other pope—Nick encourages a pastoral approach of prayer, patience, and honest reflection on the role of the Holy Spirit during transition.

CONNECT WITH NICHOLAS

• Instagram: @bonsecoursyoungadults
• Website (U.S.): bonsecours.us
• Website (International): bonsecours.org
• LinkedIn: Nicholas Stein

NICHOLAS RECOMMENDS

Productivity Tool:
StrengthsFinder (CliftonStrengths) — Nick uses this tool personally and with young adults to help them discover how they’re wired for mission.

Podcast He’s Listening To:
Pod Save the World — A sharp and often irreverent take on global politics, helpful for his international role.

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Recorded on Riverside - HERE

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