“I Am a Product of World Youth Day,” Says Filipino Archbishop Rex Alarcon, Calls for Youth Accompaniment and Responsible Digital Engagement
As the Church in Asia prepares for World Youth Day 2027 in Seoul, Filipino Archbishop Rex Andrew Alarcon underscored the urgent need for youth accompaniment, formation, and responsible digital engagement during his visit to the Radio Veritas Asia (RVA) central office in Quezon City on February 8.
The visit coincided with the formal inauguration of the 2026 academic year of the Institute of Formation, Fondacio Asia (IFFAsia) and the launch of Batch 17 of its leadership formation program. Archbishop Alarcon currently serves as the Bishops’ Chair of IFFAsia.
Earlier in the day, the Archbishop was given a guided tour of the RVA campus, where he met with Program Director Fr. John Mi Shen and other staff members. During the visit, he was briefed on RVA’s mission and apostolate through a video presentation by Fr. Mi Shen, highlighting the network’s role in evangelization, social communication, and service to the Asian Church.
In an exclusive interview with RVA, focused on youth as the “now” of the Church, Archbishop Alarcon described the Institute of Formation of Fondacio Asia as a vital space for nurturing young leaders rooted in faith, community life, and service.
“The Institute of Formation of Fondacio provides an opportunity for young people in Asia to come together as a community—learning leadership, growing in faith, and engaging with one another across cultures,” he said.
He explained that the formation program offers courses in theology, psychology, personality development, and community organizing, equipping participants for leadership and discipleship in their home dioceses and organizations.
“This is leadership rooted in the Gospel,” he added, “allowing young people to learn from Christ himself, while also benefiting from mentors and experts who accompany them in their mission.”
Reflecting on his experience as former Chairman of the CBCP Episcopal Commission on Youth, Archbishop Alarcon identified accompaniment as one of the most pressing needs of today’s young people, especially amid rapid technological and societal changes.
“Scientific and technological advancements have created a generation gap, making accompaniment more challenging—but also more necessary,” he said, echoing Pope Francis’ call in Christus Vivit for the Church to walk with the young.
He stressed the importance of forming parents, teachers, mentors, and youth ministers who can journey with young people in trust and mutual understanding.
As the current Chairman of the CBCP Episcopal Commission on Social Communication, Archbishop Alarcon also reflected on the growing influence of digital media on the faith journey of young people. He described the digital world as “a real space, not a parallel reality,” emphasizing both its potential and its risks.
“Social media amplifies who we are,” he noted. “It can be used for good or for harm. The challenge is formation—having a moral compass so these tools uphold human dignity and promote the common good.”
He described the digital sphere as a “new frontier for mission,” where the Church is called to bring the Gospel into what he termed the “digital oceans,” especially in an age shaped by artificial intelligence.
Speaking about World Youth Day 2027, Archbishop Alarcon shared a personal reflection, recalling his experience as a student leader during the 1995 World Youth Day in Manila, when Pope St. John Paul II inspired young people from across the world.
“World Youth Day is a grace-filled moment,” he said, describing himself as “a product of World Youth day.” “It allows young people to celebrate faith, share their dreams and struggles, and experience the Church in a truly synodal way,” he added.
Recalling Pope John Paul II’s words to seminarians—“Do not be afraid to love”—Archbishop Alarcon said the impact of World Youth Day continues to shape generations of young Catholics in faith, fraternity, and mission.
