Applications are now open for the Second Catholic Youth Leadership Academy (CAYLA II), a regional formation program for young Catholics that will be held from November 3–13, 2026, at the International Youth Training Centre (IYTC), Pax Romana Laudato Si' Centre in Chomthong, Chiang Mai, northern Thailand.
Organized by the International Youth Training Centre (IYTC), Pax Romana Laudato Si' Centre, in partnership with the International Movement of Catholic Students (IMCS) Pax Romana, the academy aims to equip young Catholics with leadership skills rooted in faith, Catholic Social Teaching, and service.
The inaugural academy, held in January 2025, brought together Catholic students and young leaders from across the Asia-Pacific region for 11 days of formation, prayer, community life, and reflection. Participants studied Sacred Scripture, Catholic Social Teaching, leadership, social analysis, advocacy, and strategic action planning while taking part in community immersion, intercultural dialogue, exposure visits, and liturgical celebrations.
Organizers say the program was inspired by the late Pope Francis' call for young people to become "agents for social change," "global citizens," and "protagonists of the revolution of service and charity."
Applications for CAYLA II are open to Catholic university and college students, young professionals, members of Catholic youth organizations, and young people active in parishes, dioceses, ecclesial movements, and religious communities. Young Catholics from the Asia-Pacific region and beyond are encouraged to apply.
Dioceses, bishops' conferences, Catholic universities, religious congregations, youth ministries, and Catholic organizations are also invited to nominate young people with leadership potential and a commitment to serving the Church and society.
The application deadline is August 31, 2026.
Applicants can register through the official application form:
Based in Chiang Mai, Thailand, the International Youth Training Centre serves as a regional center for leadership formation, human rights education, Catholic Social Teaching, intercultural dialogue, and community engagement. Its flagship Catholic Youth Leadership Academy seeks to prepare young leaders to promote justice, peace, human dignity, and care for creation.
Founded in 1921, the International Movement of Catholic Students (IMCS) Pax Romana is a global network active in more than 80 countries, accompanying students and young people in integrating faith, education, and social responsibility through leadership formation and service.
Radio Veritas Asia (RVA), a media platform of the Catholic Church, aims to share Christ. RVA started in 1969 as a continental Catholic radio station to serve Asian countries in their respective local language, thus earning the tag “the Voice of Asian Christianity.” Responding to the emerging context, RVA embraced media platforms to connect with the global Asian audience via its 21 language websites and various social media platforms.
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