Over 15,000 young Catholics met Pope Leo XIV online on Friday during the National Catholic Youth Conference (NCYC) in Indianapolis, Indiana. Moderated by Katie Prejan McGrady, the virtual dialogue allowed six teenagers to ask the Pope questions ranging from the Sacraments and mental health to artificial intelligence and the future of the Church.
In his opening remarks, Pope Leo praised the young people for gathering in person, encouraging them to remain active in their parish communities. He reminded them that Mass, Eucharistic Adoration, and the Sacrament of Reconciliation are “real opportunities to meet Jesus”.
Life in the Sacraments
Responding to a question on accepting God’s mercy after sin, the Pope acknowledged the difficulty many face but assured the young people that God never tires of forgiving.
“Sin never has the final word. God never gets tired of forgiving, we get tired of asking,” he said.
He invited the youth to encounter Christ in the Sacrament of Reconciliation, confess openly, and welcome Jesus’ healing forgiveness.
Mental Health and Friendship
On mental health concerns, Pope Leo encouraged young people to bring their struggles to Jesus in prayer.
“In the quiet, we can speak honestly about what is in our hearts,” he said, adding that Jesus looks upon each person with love in the Eucharist.
He urged them to seek trusted adults; parents, teachers, priests, youth ministers, and to pray for true friends who help them remain rooted in Christ.
“When you think, ‘No one understands me,’ say instead, ‘Lord, you understand me better than I understand myself.’”
Faith, Technology, and AI
Addressing questions on technology, Pope Leo said digital tools can help people pray, read Scripture, and learn about the faith. But he warned that technology must never replace real human relationships or participation in the Eucharist.
“Avoid letting technology control your life,” he said. “Use it in such a way that, if it disappeared tomorrow, you would still know how to think, create, and act on your own.”
Regarding artificial intelligence, he emphasised education, responsibility, and human dignity. “AI can never replace the unique gift that you are to the world.”
The Church’s Future
Asked about the future of the Church, Pope Leo recalled Jesus’ promise that “the gates of hell will not prevail”.
The Church prepares for tomorrow by staying faithful today, he said, noting that young people are both the present and the future of the Church. He encouraged them to attend Sunday Mass, join parish groups, and seek guidance if they sense a vocation.
Missionaries of Christ
Pope Leo concluded by urging the youth to offer their gifts generously to build up the Church.
“We long for truth, beauty, and goodness,” he said, “and this treasure has a name: Jesus.”
He called them to be peacemakers who build bridges, not walls, and warned against using political labels to describe the Church.
“What greater cause could you dedicate your life to than the Gospel?” he asked. “The world needs missionaries. It needs you.”
Vatican News
