(Catholic Social Forum on UN Sustainable Development Goals and Catholic Social Teaching; Inspired by Dilexi Te)

 Last February 27, 2026, various Catholic movements in the Asia-Pacific—such as the International Young Christian Workers (IYCW), International Movement of Catholic Students (IMCS), International Young Catholic Students, and Pax Romana—came together to organize an online forum and dialogue on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Catholic Social Teaching in light of Dilexit Te.

In a time marked by deep social inequalities, environmental crises, and rapid technological change, Catholic movements and civil society organizations in the Asia-Pacific are being called to renew their commitment to justice, solidarity, and love for the poor. The keynote address of Jojo Fung, S.J., professor at the Loyola School of Theology, provided a profound reflection on Dilexit Te, the Apostolic Exhortation of Pope Leo XIV, and its relevance to the global call for sustainable development and the Church’s mission of promoting human dignity and integral development.

A Call to Love that Leads to Action

At the heart of Dilexit Te is the message of Jesus: “I have loved you.” This love is not passive or sentimental. It calls Christians to actively love the poor, the marginalized, and those who suffer. Poverty, as highlighted in the reflection, is not a personal choice but a result of unjust structures. Therefore, loving the poor also means confronting the systems that keep people poor.

This message resonates strongly with the teachings of Pope Francis, particularly in Laudato Si', which reminds us that “everything is connected.” The cries of the poor and the cries of the earth are inseparable. Similarly, Christus Vivit highlights the role of young people as agents of social transformation.

In this context, faith must lead to concrete action. Spirituality must move beyond reflection and become a force for transformation in society.

The Role of Catholic Organizations and Civil Society

Catholic movements and civil society groups play a crucial role in responding to today’s global and local crises. As members of these communities, we are called to be guided by Catholic Social Teaching and to engage in building a more just and compassionate society.

The United Nations, the only global body that gathers different governments, provides a framework through the Sustainable Development Goals. These goals emphasize dignity, justice, sustainability, and especially partnerships—the last and most crucial SDG. The Church’s engagement with the UN highlights the need for global solidarity and cooperation across borders.

The vision of a “new heaven and a new earth” requires the collaboration of governments, faith communities, and grassroots movements. Structural change cannot happen without public policy and institutional support.

Learning from the Ground: Youth Movements in Action

Four panelists from Catholic youth movements shared their experiences of working directly with the poor. Their reflections highlighted several key priorities:

Education for the poor as a path toward empowerment

Women’s leadership and empowerment

Faith that leads to community building and policy advocacy

Action–reflection rooted in real-life experiences

Listening to the cries of the poor and the earth

They emphasized that spirituality must be lived through concrete engagement. Healing the wounds of injustice requires persistence in the struggle for justice, even when the path is difficult.

From Faith to Policy and Structural Change

The forum also emphasized the importance of institutional strategies:

Integrating the SDGs into pastoral and formation programs

Educating grassroots members in policy literacy

Advocating for structural reforms

Promoting climate justice and human rights

Supporting equitable distribution of wealth

Collaboration is essential. Faith-based organizations must work with civic groups, academic institutions, governments, and interfaith networks. These partnerships strengthen global engagement and foster fraternity across borders.

The work of justice is not merely technical. It is stewardship—a gift entrusted to humanity. This responsibility calls for ethical leadership, care for creation, and solidarity with those who suffer.

Challenges in the Asia-Pacific in the Context of IYCW

Despite these opportunities, the Asia-Pacific region faces serious challenges, including:

Precarious and informal work

Labor migration and family separation

Environmental destruction in the name of development

Weakening democratic institutions

Social inequalities and exclusion

These realities raise critical questions. Does loving the poor mean tolerating unjust structures? Catholic Social Teaching recognizes the concept of “tolerated evils”—situations that are not morally good but are temporarily accepted to prevent greater harm. However, the Church does not call us to accept injustice. Rather, it challenges us to transform it.

This transformation requires regional solidarity. Catholic movements must work together while also responding to local realities. Through collective action and shared learning, young workers and communities can become agents of change.

A Synodal Journey Toward Justice and Peace

The call today is clear: renewal of commitment, solidarity, and dialogue. The Church is invited to journey together in a synodal way—listening, discerning, and acting in unity.

Building a just and compassionate society requires:

Reflection that leads to action

Faith that becomes solidarity

Collaboration across borders

Advocacy for justice, peace, and human dignity

The message of Dilexit Te is both a challenge and an opportunity. Love for the poor must become a transformative force in the Asia-Pacific. It calls Catholic movements, young people, and civil society to move beyond charity toward justice, to heal wounds, and to work together for a world where dignity, peace, and care for creation prevail.

In this shared mission, the Church and the global community can truly respond to the cries of the poor and the earth—building a future rooted in love, justice, and hope.