The International Young Catholic Students (IYCS) had the honour of co-organizing the Assisi Catholic Peace Forum (CPF), which took place from June 9 to 11, 2025, in the sacred town of Assisi, Italy—home of St. Francis, the patron of peace and ecology. This historic and spiritually rooted gathering brought together young leaders, Catholic peace activists, and international organizations to reflect, dialogue, and act on the pressing issues of our time. The event was held under the theme “Emerging Challenges and Opportunities to Just Peace – Role of Catholic Youth and Peace Movements.”

The Forum was a collaborative effort between six leading international Catholic networks: Pax Romana IMCS/MIEC, Pax Romana ICMICA/MIIC, Pax Christi International (PCI), Pax Christi Korea (PCK), the International Youth Training Center (IYTC) – Pax Romana Laudato Si’ Center in Chiang Mai, Thailand, and the International Young Catholic Students (IYCS). It also welcomed the participation of FIMCAP and several other allied youth and peace-based organizations. These movements worked hand in hand to provide a unique platform for Catholic youth to explore the intersection of faith, justice, peace, and environmental sustainability.

Representing IYCS at the forum were Roshan Melwyn Lobo, Secretary General of IYCS, and Rev. Fr. Justo de la Fuente Fernández, the incoming International Chaplain. Roshan Lobo offered congratulatory remarks during the Opening Session alongside key dignitaries and faith leaders, and also moderated Session 3, focused on “Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Peace.” The session explored the ethical, spiritual, and geopolitical implications of AI through the lens of Catholic social teaching, drawing on recent Vatican publications such as Antiqua et Nova and the Pope’s 2024 and 2025 World Day of Peace messages. Fr. Justo actively participated in the deliberations, bringing spiritual depth and pastoral insight to the conversations.

The Forum’s hybrid format allowed for global participation, with members of IYCS from Africa and Asia, as well as national leaders and volunteers, joining virtually. This inclusive approach ensured that voices from across continents—especially from the Global South—were part of the shared discernment and planning. Sessions covered a broad range of timely themes, including geopolitical tensions, public diplomacy for peace, and Catholic responses to artificial intelligence and technological advancement.

The Assisi CPF was not merely a conference, but a pilgrimage of peace—offering space for intercontinental dialogue, spiritual renewal, and collective action. Participants drew inspiration from the writings of Pope Francis, notably Laudato Si’, Fratelli Tutti, and Christus Vivit, grounding discussions in the moral responsibility of youth to be stewards of peace and creation. The historic city of Assisi, with its sacred landmarks and Franciscan legacy, provided a fitting backdrop for the Forum’s reflections and commitments.

A key highlight of the Forum was the “Assisi Appeal for Peace”, a collective declaration drafted during the final sessions, which consolidates the key insights, ethical imperatives, and action plans discussed throughout the forum. Participants also engaged in strategic planning for the 2027 Seoul World Youth Day and the 2027 United Nations SDG Summit, events where Catholic youth movements like IYCS will play a vital advocacy role.

Through its active involvement, IYCS reaffirmed its foundational mission: to form young people of conscience, compassion, and commitment—ready to act for peace and justice in their communities and beyond. The Assisi CPF stands as a milestone in this journey, marking a renewed dedication to Catholic social action, youth synodality, and global solidarity.

As the world faces complex global crises—climate change, conflict, digital disruption—IYCS remains committed to accompanying young people through faith-based formation and action. The Assisi CPF has strengthened the bonds between movements, opened new pathways for cooperation, and reaffirmed the prophetic voice of youth in the Church and the world.