Kannur: In a significant development for the global Catholic youth movement, Bishop Alex Joseph Vadakumthala has been appointed as the Ecclesiastical Advisor to Jesus Youth International, marking a new chapter in his longstanding association with the dynamic lay missionary movement.
The Bishop of Kannur, who has served as the Ecclesiastical Advisor to Jesus Youth India for the past six years, now steps into a wider international role. His elevation is widely regarded as a natural progression, reflecting his sustained pastoral guidance, spiritual leadership, and close involvement in nurturing the movement’s growth both in India and beyond.
Bishop Vadakumthala was appointed as the Bishop of Kannur by Pope Francis on February 1, 2014. Before his episcopal ministry, he held key responsibilities within the Archdiocese of Verapoly, notably serving as Vicar General, where he gained extensive administrative and pastoral experience.
Born on June 14, 1959, in Maradu in Ernakulam district, he belongs to the Archdiocese of Verapoly. His priestly formation began at St. Joseph’s Minor Seminary in Ernakulam, followed by philosophical and theological studies in Pune. He was ordained a priest on December 19, 1984, and began his ministry with assignments at the Cathedral of Verapoly and later at St. Philomina’s Church, Koonammavu.
His academic journey led him to Rome, where he obtained a doctorate in canon law from the Pontifical Urban University in 1992, equipping him with deep expertise in Church law and governance.
Bishop Vadakumthala’s service has extended to the universal Church as well. Between 1993 and 1999, he served as an official at the Pontifical Council for Health in the Vatican. After returning to India, he contributed significantly to the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India as Secretary of its Commission for Health from 1999 to 2009. He also served as assistant to the Chancellor of the Archdiocese of Verapoly and later as President of the Canon Law Society of India from 2009 to 2013.
His new role at Jesus Youth International places him at the heart of a global youth apostolate that plays a crucial role in evangelization, leadership formation, and mission outreach. Church observers note that his experience, both pastoral and canonical, will be instrumental in guiding the movement at a time when youth engagement is becoming increasingly central to the Church’s mission worldwide.
With this appointment, Bishop Vadakumthala is expected to further strengthen the spiritual direction and global coordination of Jesus Youth, fostering a renewed sense of mission among young Catholics across continents.