Kerala bishops urge youth to defend faith, justice, creation

KOCHI, Kerala (Indian Catholic News) — Kerala’s Catholic bishops called on young Catholics to embrace Church teaching, defend justice and minority rights, care for creation, use artificial intelligence wisely and reject destructive addictions.

The message, issued by the Kerala Catholic Bishops’ Council‘s Youth Commission for Youth Day, describes young people as “the life and hope of the Church” and calls for greater unity among Catholic youth organizations in dioceses and parishes.

“Our main objective during these days is the coordination and mutual fellowship of various youth organizations within the Catholic Church,” the bishops said. They “should pave the way for us to embrace various youth movements operating in dioceses and parishes, uniting them with one mind in the evangelical mission of the Church.”

The circular, published in the July edition of Vedaprachara Madhyasthan, a Changanacherry Archdiocese newsletter, says youth organizations should be strengthened “through proper training and deep fellowships” so that young people can make “constructive contributions to the nation and the global community.”

The bishops also urged young Catholics to “align themselves fully with the teachings of the Catholic Church and maintain ecclesial communion without falling into the temptations of opposing ideologies.”

Care for creation and technology

Referring to the Church’s observance of the “Franciscan Year,” the bishops said Pope Leo XIV calls on young people “to draw closer to nature and become guardians of this earth.”

“Shifting away from the selfishness that exploits nature, the younger generation must step forward to become protectors of creation and future generations,” they said.

The bishops also highlighted the pope’s teaching on artificial intelligence, saying technological progress should not undermine human dignity.

“Without becoming slaves to technology, our youth must possess the spiritual wisdom to prudently utilize artificial intelligence for the good of humanity and the proclamation of the Gospel,” the circular said.

Stand for justice

The bishops encouraged youth organizations to promote “justice, equality, and the upliftment of the marginalized” while remaining vigilant that constitutional protections for minorities are respected.

They urged young Catholics not to remain passive in addressing “our emptying homes, lack of representation in socio-political spheres, denied constitutional rights, and rising religious intolerance, discrimination, and attacks against Christians.”

The circular, written for Youth Day, which the Kerala Church observes Youth Day on the Sunday following the third day of July, praised young people’s previous efforts against drug abuse and encouraged them to continue those campaigns while expanding opportunities in arts and sports.

“Instead of worldly addictions that lead to destruction, the Church desires that a single ‘spiritual addiction’ based on Christ and His Gospel take root in everyone,” the bishops said. “The joy of following Christ is the true addiction of youth. The enthusiasm to do good based on love must conquer us.”

Full statements available: In original Malayalam and AI‑generated English translation.