Alex Joseph Vadakumthala has been appointed as the Ecclesiastical Advisor of Jesus Youth International, marking an important step in his service to the global Church.
The bishop from Kerala has already been serving as the advisor to Jesus Youth India for the past six years. His new role at the international level is seen as a continuation of his strong involvement in guiding the movement’s spiritual and organisational growth.
He was appointed Bishop of Kannur in 2014 by Pope Francis. Before becoming a bishop, he served as Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Verapoly.
Born on June 14, 1959, in Maradu, he began his priestly training at St. Joseph’s Minor Seminary in Ernakulam and later studied philosophy and theology in Pune. He was ordained a priest in 1984.
In his early ministry, he served in parishes in Verapoly and Koonammavu. He later earned a doctorate in canon law from the Pontifical Urban University in 1992.
He also served in the Pontifical Council for Health and worked with the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India in health ministry. He has held several leadership roles, including President of the Canon Law Society of India.
His new appointment comes at a time when youth movements are playing a key role in the Church’s mission, especially in evangelisation and leadership formation worldwide.
