International Catholic Action is entering a new phase of cooperation after its ninth international assembly in Rome, with a renewed focus on peace, lay leadership and the formation of young people.
New international leadership
In an interview published by Vatican News on October 21, Eva Fernández Mateo, the former coordinator of the International Forum of Catholic Action (FIAC) secretariat, reflected on the assembly held from October 15 to 18 under the theme of synodality and mission.
The assembly selected the countries that will form the organization’s secretariat for 2026–2030: the Philippines, Burundi, Argentina, Italy and Spain. Guatemala also joined as a new member country.
Peace and formation for the next generation
Fernández Mateo emphasized that Catholic Action groups can respond to conflict and social divisions through solidarity, listening and practical service. She also identified the formation of young people in an age of rapidly changing technology as a challenge for the movement.
For Catholic youth groups, the priorities point toward an approach in which faith formation, local parish service and international solidarity reinforce one another. The FIAC hopes to deepen cooperation across continents while strengthening its contribution to diocesan pastoral plans.
Source
Vatican News, October 21, 2026: La Acción Católica promueve una “profecía social” por la paz.
