Asian Bishops Listen as Media Propose Complementary Strategies for the Future of the Church

In a unique turn of events at the press conference of the Great Pilgrimage of Hope on Nov 29,  Bishop George Pallipaablil, Chair of the FABC- OE, departed from the usual closing remarks and instead opened the floor to dialogue with local and international media representatives.

The session, held at The Light Hotel in Penang, provided an opportunity for Church leaders, journalists, and media practitioners to discuss the future of the Church in Asia, particularly in preparation for World Youth Day 2027 in Seoul and the Great Jubilee of 2033.

Coordinated by Daniel Roy, head of the Social Communications Office of the Penang Diocese, the conference had already engaged cardinals and bishops for nearly an hour before Bishop George turned the tables, posing a question to the media people in  attendance:

"In view of World Youth Day and looking ahead to the Great Jubilee of 2033, what would you place as priorities for these events?"

The question sparked thoughtful responses from two prominent voices, revealing a shared vision for balancing innovation with tradition in the Church’s approach to youth engagement.

Engaging the Digital Generation

The first response emphasized the necessity of embracing digital tools to reach young people. The speaker, drawing on eight years of experience traveling across Asia, highlighted a significant shift in youth behavior.

"There is a huge shift to technology in everything and anything,"  he said. "The average screen time for a teenager is said to be seven hours a day. The Church must come into their digital spaces, engage with them where they are, and use technology effectively. Physical retreats are seeing lower attendance, but through digital platforms, we can reach them, inspire them, and maintain their connection to faith."

This perspective underscored the importance of proactive digital engagement, innovative media strategies, and creative content that meets young people in the virtual spaces they frequent daily.

Rediscovering the Past Through Prayer and Adoration

The second response offered a complementary perspective, reminding the Church that youth also seek spiritual depth rooted in tradition. The speaker, a parish leader from Kuala Lumpur, shared firsthand experiences with local youth programs.

"Youth are not only looking for digital engagement; they are also longing for something from the past," she said. "At the Holy Rosary Church, many young people expressed that they are drawn to adoration, silent prayer, and contemplation, rather than only music or social activities. Programs like the ‘Come Home’ initiative have shown that telling the story of Jesus through our actions, showing Christ’s love, is effective in drawing them back."

The response highlighted a balance between modern communication methods and timeless spiritual practices. Young Catholics are seeking both interactive, digital engagement and intimate encounters with Christ through prayer and reflection.

"They want a mix," the speaker added. "They want to see Jesus in the simplest forms, to experience personal prayer, adoration, and quiet reflection, and then to go out and share the Word of God with others."

A Call for Balance and Innovation

The insights from these two responses resonate strongly with the Church’s broader mission in Asia: to remain culturally and technologically relevant while preserving the richness of spiritual tradition.

The exchange demonstrated a growing awareness that effective engagement  today requires both innovation and fidelity to tradition. Digital tools and social media can amplify the Church’s reach, but encounters with Christ through prayer, contemplation, and community remain irreplaceable in forming the faith of young people.

Looking Ahead

As the Great Pilgrimage of Hope nears its conclusion, the insights shared during the press conference provide a roadmap for the Church in Asia. Preparing for World Youth Day in Seoul and the Great Jubilee in 2033 involves more than logistics and events; it requires a careful blend of creative engagement and spiritual depth.

Media practitioners, youth leaders, and clergy alike were encouraged to collaborate across digital platforms and physical spaces, ensuring that young Catholics encounter Christ in ways that are both contemporary and timeless.

Bishop George’s interactive approach at the press conference reflected the spirit of the Pilgrimage itself: dialogue, listening, and shared reflection. In a rapidly changing Asia, the Church’s ability to balance digital innovation with traditional devotion will be key to nurturing a vibrant, faithful, and engaged next generation.