Pope Leo XIV spoke directly to more than 15,000 American teenagers gathered in Indianapolis on Friday, urging them to embrace the Sacraments, cultivate real friendships, and use modern technology in ways that strengthen—not replace—their Christian identity, according to Vatican News.
The Holy Father joined the National Catholic Youth Conference (NCYC) by video link, where he was greeted by young Catholics eager to hear his thoughts on topics ranging from mercy and mental health to artificial intelligence and the future of the Church. According to Vatican News, the livestreamed conversation was moderated by Katie Prejan McGrady and featured questions from six young participants.
In his opening message, Pope Leo XIV expressed gratitude for the young people’s willingness to gather in person, telling them that parish life, prayer, and the Sacraments are “real opportunities to meet Jesus,” according to the report. He encouraged them to remain active in their faith communities and to seek Christ especially through Confession and the Eucharist.
When asked about the struggle to accept God’s mercy, the Pope acknowledged that asking forgiveness can be difficult, but reminded the youth that “sin never has the final word,” according to Vatican News. He also repeated a well-known teaching from Pope Francis, saying: “Pope Francis said that God never gets tired of forgiving—we get tired of asking!”
The conversation then turned to mental health—a topic close to the hearts of many teens. Pope Leo XIV encouraged young people to entrust their pain, confusion, and sadness to Christ. “In the quiet, we can speak honestly about what is in our hearts,” he said, noting the power of Eucharistic adoration to help them remember that Jesus “looks at you with love,” according to the source. He urged them to find trusted adults and true friends who help them “seek Jesus when life gets confusing or difficult.”
Addressing the role of technology and artificial intelligence, the Pope acknowledged that digital tools can serve the faith when used intentionally. “Technology can help us do many things and even really help us live our Christian faith,” he said, adding that it offers “amazing tools for prayer, reading the Bible, and learning more about what we believe,” according to Vatican News. But he cautioned young Catholics never to allow technology to replace authentic human relationships or participation in the Eucharist.
On AI, Pope Leo offered a balanced perspective, saying, “Be careful that your use of AI does not limit your true human growth,” and urging youth to use it “in such a way that, if it disappeared tomorrow, you would still know how to think, create, and act on your own.” He emphasized that “AI can never replace the unique gift that you are to the world,” according to the report.
When asked about the Church’s future, the Holy Father reminded the teens of Christ’s promise that “the gates of hell will not prevail against the Church,” according to Vatican News. He called young Catholics both the present and the future of the Church and encouraged them to attend Sunday Mass, engage in parish life, and discern God’s call for their vocation.
The Pope concluded by urging the youth to become “friends of Christ” and missionaries who build unity rather than division. He warned them: “Be careful not to use political categories to speak about faith,” noting that “the Church does not belong to any political party,” according to the source. Instead, he said, the Church forms conscience so believers can “think and act with wisdom and love.”
“What greater cause could you dedicate your life to than the Gospel?” Pope Leo XIV asked the young people, encouraging them to share “the light and joy” they have found in Jesus.
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