On November 21, 2025, more than 15,000 young American Catholics connected live with the Pope Leo XIV during the plenary session of the National Catholic Youth Conference in Indianapolis. This first “virtual” meeting of such magnitude placed technology at the heart of the dialogue between the Holy Father and young people, embodying a strong symbolic closeness and an innovative way of building the ecclesial community.’digital age.
For 45 minutes, the Pope He responded warmly and wisely to questions about the importance of the sacraments, managing psychological difficulties, the role of technology, and the future of the Church. The event also offered young people the opportunity to fully experience their faith through prayer, Mass, and the sacrament of reconciliation, even remotely, thanks to digital tools.
Technology, a tool for living and deepening one's Christian faith
A valuable aid in staying connected to Christ
Leo XIV emphasized that modern technology can be a powerful tool to help young people actively live out their Christian faith. It offers extraordinary ways to pray, to read the Bible, to access diverse spiritual resources and to remain in communion with people who are geographically distant. These digital tools can deepen the personal relationship with Jesus Christ, particularly within the context of Eucharistic prayer and meditation.
Maintaining a balance between virtual and real
THE Pope He did, however, warn against the dangers of excessive use: technology should never replace genuine relationships or participation in Mass, the cornerstone of Christian life. He advised young people to be mindful of their screen time and to use these tools to serve their spiritual and intellectual lives, not the other way around. In particular, artificial intelligence must be used responsibly, to support authentic human growth, without becoming a crutch.
A call to youth: building the Church of tomorrow
Young people, present and active in the Church
Leo XIV He reminded them that young people are not only the future of the Church, but also its present. He encouraged them to become actively involved in their parishes, to participate in Sunday Mass, to discern their vocation – whether it be marriage, the priesthood or religious life – and to generously offer their talents and their time to build a missionary Church, a bearer of peace and unity.
Digital Missionaries and Peacemakers
In a world where division can be exacerbated by political or media ideologies, the Pope invites young people to prioritize dialogue, the search for truth, beauty and kindness, embodied in Jesus. They are called to be friends of Christ, capable of building bridges rather than walls, creatively bringing the light of the Gospel into digital worlds as well as real life.
