Indian Church Leaders Discuss Education and Culture with Archbishop Carlo Polvani

Bengaluru, January 9, 2026: Church leaders, educationists, and representatives of Catholic institutions gathered at CHRIST (Deemed to be University), Bangalore, for an interaction titled “Listening with the Heart: A Shared Journey in Education and Culture,” featuring Archbishop Carlo Maria Polvani, Secretary of the Dicastery for Culture and Education and the Pontifical Council for Culture.

Held on January 6 and jointly organised by the CBCI Office for Education and Culture, the Karnataka Regional Commission for Education, and CHRIST University, the programme focused on contemporary questions surrounding Catholic education and cultural engagement in India.

In his address, Archbishop Polvani drew attention to India’s deep cultural richness, describing it as an extraordinary resource for the Church’s engagement with education and society. Reflecting on emerging global realities, he spoke of the rise of what he termed the “digital human,” shaped by rapid advances in artificial intelligence, genetic recombination, and biotechnology. These developments, he said, were no longer theoretical, noting that technologies such as DNA manipulation and AI-driven problem-solving are already transforming fields like medicine and engineering, and will inevitably reshape humanity at an anthropological level.

He cautioned that these changes pose a fundamental question for the future: whether humanity will master these technologies for the good of all or be carried along by them without direction. Stressing that there is no historical precedent for such a transformation, Archbishop Polvani urged a proactive rather than reactive response, particularly from the Church. He also reflected on India’s lived experience of managing religious and cultural diversity, describing it as a powerful example of “disarmed peace” that goes beyond the absence of conflict and offers valuable insight into how complex societies can live together.

Underlining the importance of collective reflection and collaboration in responding to evolving educational and societal contexts, Bishop Elias Gonsalves, Chairman of the CBCI Education Apostolate, also addressed the gathering.

A presentation on “Challenges and Opportunities” brought together representatives from different sectors of Catholic education. The session included contributions from Fr. Charles Maria, Secretary of CBCI Education, and Fr. Jose C., Vice Chancellor of CHRIST University.

Voices from school and college education were also part of the presentation, including Dr. Sr. Deepti, Secretary of the Xavier Board, and Dr. Sr. Louiza, Principal of Jyothi Nivas College. Sr. Jessy Pereira, Deputy Secretary of the Ursuline Congregation, Mysore, was also among those who contributed. The presentation examined current issues affecting Catholic institutions and explored avenues for sustained growth and collaboration.

An interactive session enabled participants to engage Archbishop Polvani on questions of education, culture, and the Church’s pastoral engagement in the contemporary world, with the exchange guided by Dr. Fr. Francis Assisi Almeida.

By Catholic Connect Reporter