An international Catholic student movement has adopted a declaration committing its leaders to respond to poverty, migration, conflict, environmental degradation, and digital transformation affecting young people.
Pax Romana-International Movement of Catholic Students adopted the Chiang Mai Declaration 2026 at the close of its Global Chaplains, Animators Formation and Exchange program, held in northern Thailand from July 12 to 20.
Titled “Walking Together in Hope,” the declaration placed the accompaniment of young people at the center of the movement’s mission. It called on chaplains, lay animators, and student leaders to promote Catholic social teaching, strengthen leadership formation, and foster greater collaboration across the movement.
Participants also prepared regional action plans and contributed to an IMCS pastoral handbook intended to support campus ministry and Catholic student movements in different countries.
The gathering brought together 44 chaplains, animators, student leaders, and collaborators from Asia, Africa, Europe, and North America. Others joined online.
The program included prayer, Eucharistic celebrations, workshops, community immersion, dialogue, and action planning. Participants examined challenges facing students and young adults, including poverty, migration, conflict, ecological destruction, and rapid changes in digital technology.
William Nokrek, international president of Pax Romana IMCS, said the program was intended to strengthen those who accompany young people.
“We started Global CAFE with one belief: if we want better Catholic student movements, we have to better equip those who walk with young people,” he said.
Nokrek said the gathering’s impact would depend on how participants applied its lessons after returning home.
“The true accomplishment of Global CAFE will not be measured by this week in Chiang Mai, but by what we do on our campuses, in our National Movements and local communities in the coming years,” he said.
In a message to participants, Cardinal Kevin J. Farrell, prefect of the Vatican Dicastery for Laity, Family and Life, said the Church must help young people discover lives of purpose rooted in Christ.
“Young people are not drawn to small things, but only to great ideals, great truths, and great missions,” Farrell said.
He said young people need mentors who can listen to their struggles and aspirations rather than leaders concerned only with competence or appearances.
“Young people are not looking for perfect, flawless role models, nor are they looking for leaders who merely possess organizational skills,” Farrell said.
The prelate said young people seek authenticity, closeness, and attentive companions who can listen to their desires, hidden struggles, difficulties, and aspirations.
Cardinal Sebastian Francis of Penang urged participants to interpret contemporary realities through the Gospel and Catholic social teaching.
“The strength of IMCS Pax Romana as a ‘glocal’ movement depends on your deep formation—your ability to read the signs of the times and to interpret them in the light of the Gospel and Catholic Social Teaching,” Francis said.
He called on participants to become “missionary and digital disciples” who bring their faith into campuses, public life, and online spaces.
“Fill these spaces with stories shaped by the Holy Spirit—stories that witness to truth, hope, and love, even within the digital sphere and its algorithms,” he said.
Francis said the theme of the gathering also defined the movement’s mission: “to accompany, to discern, and to lead with courage.”
“The world needs your missionary zeal and witnessing,” he said.
Pax Romana IMCS was founded in 1921 and is present in more than 75 countries. The movement works with Catholic students in higher education through faith formation, leadership development, advocacy, intercultural dialogue, and service.
