Pope Leo XIV connects with ‘future of our Church’ at National Catholic Youth Conference

^“Dear young people ….I’m very glad to be with you all through this digital connection.”

That was how Pope Leo XIV, by way of livestream correspondence, greeted the 16,000 young people in attendance at this year’s National Catholic Youth Conference (NCYC).

Held from Nov. 20-22 at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, the three-day experience for Catholic teens and their chaperones included Mass, Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, live speakers, music and more.

From his residence at the Vatican, the Holy Father spent close to an hour with the youth on Nov. 21, answering their questions on a variety of topics–including friendship, technology and how to stay focused in prayer.

Although NCYC has been held annually or bi-annually since 1983, this was the first time that a pope had participated in the event. Thanks to a partnership between Eternal Word Television Network and Vatican Media, the livestreamed address was also broadcast over the Internet, giving hundreds of other Catholics around the world the ability to view it remotely.

Several Catholic schools in the Diocese of Trenton joined their counterparts across the nation in having their students view the address during the school day.

“Events of this magnitude happen only once or twice in a lifetime,” remarked Lizanne Coyne, principal of St. Mary Academy, Manahawkin. “I felt strongly that our students would benefit from experiencing it live.”

St. Leo the Great, Lincroft, principal Caroline Fitzgerald agreed, then remarked on how Pope Leo XIV has a “stronger influence” on today’s Catholic youth.

“He is approaching things at their level,” she said. “Young people can relate to technology, so the Holy Father addressed them with modern technology.”

Teresa N. and Michael L., eighth-grade students at St. Charles Borromeo, Cinnaminson, were both excited to be able to witness such a historic event.

“It’s cool to experience the Pope talking to people around my age,” Teresa said, noting that she especially appreciated the Holy Father’s remarks on young people and prayer.

“We get distracted easily while praying,” she stated. “Pope Leo explained how to solve this problem: by acknowledging the distraction, then turning back to your prayer.”

Michael commented that the Pope’s remarks on artificial intelligence (AI) really resonated with him.

“He addressed AI and its benefits, but also its drawbacks,” Michael said. “I plan to only use AI for the right reasons, and not for doing homework.”

St. Mary seventh-grader Preston L. found the Holy Father’s address to be “very inspirational”.

“Pope Leo discussed the importance of screen time and knowing when to shut it off,” Preston added “I should change my mindset and shift my priorities.”

“The Pope said, ‘you are the Church and not the future of it’,” added Jack C., a seventh-grader at St. Leo the Great. “We can begin helping in the church today and not wait till we are older.”

St. Charles Borromeo principal Tracey Kobrin agreed. “The Holy Father’s message made it clear that our young people are not only valued, loved, and the future of our Church, but that their voices and ideas matter right now.”

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