His Holiness Pope Leo XIV addressed more than 16,000 young people gathered at the National Catholic Youth Conference (NCYC) marking a historic moment for the Catholic Church. Produced by the National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry (NFCYM), it was the first-ever live digital encounter between the Holy Father and the youth of the Church.
The global broadcast was more than 45-minutes, during which Pope Leo directly connected with teens from across the nation, as well as many others joining online through EWTN’s television network and digital platforms worldwide and Vatican News network and platforms. Pope called for unity and peace and addressing the youth, reflected on themes of faith, the Sacraments, AI, unity, the future of the Church and the hope the young people bring to the Church and the world today and the future. The Holy Father encouraged young people to be active in their faith and in the Church, helping others and teaching others, deepening their prayer life.
Pope Leo challenged young people to answer the questions “What can I offer the Church right now? How can I help others to know Christ? How can I build peace in the world?” He added that the Young people are part of the Church’s present and the future which is something to be excited about. “Now is the time to dream big and to be open to the things that God can do through you. Remember making a difference usually happens through simple, daily small actions,” he said.
Five teenagers asked the Pope questions regarding using technology, recovering from mistakes, giving worries to Jesus, avoiding distractions, and preparing for the future of the Church. The pope gave guidance to the young crowd with words applicable to both teenagers and the universal Church.
Speaking of recovering from mistakes, the Pope said, “Whenever we ask for God’s mercy, he forgives us. Pope Francis said that God never gets tired of forgiving. We sometimes get tired of asking for forgiveness. So even when we fall again, we should remember St. Paul’s words, ‘Christ Jesus, came into the world to save sinners.’ He came for us, knowing our weaknesses.”
“We may struggle to forgive, but God’s heart is different. God never stops inviting us back. We experience this mercy of God in a special way in the sacrament of reconciliation,” the pope said.
Pope Leo enlightened the youth on using technology. “Technology can really help in many ways,” and it “can help us live our Christian faith,” Pope Leo said. “It lets us stay connected with people who are far away … It also gives us amazing tools for prayer, for reading the Bible, for learning more about what we believe.”
“It allows us to share the Gospel with people we may never meet in person. But even with all that, technology can never replace real in-person relationships. Simple things, a hug, a handshake, a smile. All those things are essential to being human,” he said.
“Watching Mass online can be helpful, especially when someone is sick or elderly or cannot attend in person. But actually being there, taking part in the Eucharist, is so important for our prayer, for our sense of community,” the pope said.
“It’s essential for our relationship with God and with each other. There’s nothing that can replace true human presence, being with one another. While technology certainly can connect us, it’s not the same as being physically present.”
The Holy Father concluded his address by saying, “You are all called to be missionary disciples. Know that I am praying for you. May God continue to bless you and guide you. Thank you.”
The digital encounter with the Holy Father was received by over 16,000 young people in the Lucas Oil Stadium saying in one voice, “Leo, Leo, we love Leo!”
