Historic Digital Encounter: pope Leo XIV Inspires American Catholic Youth with Message of Unity and Hope
Indianapolis, IN – In a landmark event for the Catholic Church, Pope Leo XIV held the first-ever digital meeting with young Catholics in America on Friday, November 21. Over 15,000 young people gathered at the National Catholic Youth Conference in Indianapolis, joined virtually by youth from the Ukrainian Catholic Archeparchy of Philadelphia, for the unprecedented online encounter.
The gathering provided a platform for young people across the United States to pose questions to the Holy Father on topics ranging from faith and the sacraments to mental health,Artificial Intelligence,and the future of the Church.
Pope Leo XIV emphasized the boundless nature of God’s forgiveness, stating, “God never gets tired of forgiving – we get tired of asking!” He encouraged attendees to turn to prayer, the sacraments, and personal reflection to navigate life’s challenges, and to seek the gift of true friendship.
Addressing the increasing presence of Artificial intelligence, the Pope affirmed the irreplaceable value of the human person, emphasizing that technology can never diminish the inherent dignity of each individual. He underscored that preparing for the future of the Church requires embracing the call to action present today, recognizing that young people are vital not only to the Church’s future but also to its present. He offered reassurance, recalling Jesus’ promise to Peter that the gates of hell will not prevail against Christ’s Church.
Concluding his address, Pope Leo XIV called on young people to embody the spirit of missionary work and peacemaking, to build bridges rather than walls, and to cultivate a personal relationship with Jesus Christ in the revelation of their vocations.
Organized under the leadership of Archbishop Nelson Perez, the event was met with gratitude for the Pope’s heartfelt message and blessing, and recognition for the collective efforts that made the historic gathering possible.
