Pope Leo X to deliver a 'virtual address' at US Catholic youth gathering
The National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry (NFCYM) has announced that Pope Leo XIV will have a "real-time digital encounter" with participants at the National Catholic Youth Conference (NCYC) this fall. The event is scheduled to take place in Indianapolis from November 20-22.
According to the NFCYM, the digital encounter will take place on Nov. 21 at 10:15 a.m. (ET) during the event's general session. The pope's digital appearance is expected to address an estimated crowd of approximately 15,000 young people aged 14-18.
The Vatican press office distributed copies of the national federation's press statement in English, Spanish, and Italian on Aug. 15, timed with the Aug. 15 feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
NFCYM executive director Christina Lamas expressed excitement about Pope Leo XIV's participation in the NCYC, stating that the pope's presence is a reminder of the importance of young people in the Church.
"The pope's participation in the NCYC is a powerful opportunity for young people to witness the universal Church's care and concern for their voices, experiences, and hopes," said Lamas.
The digital encounter will feature a 45-minute dialogue with a pre-selected group of young people. Details of the selection process for the pre-selected group will be released at a later time, according to organizers.
Archbishop Nelson J. Pérez of Philadelphia expressed that the pope's digital encounter is an expression of his closeness to Catholic youth. Pérez compared the pope's digital encounter to Pope Francis' calls for youth to be at the forefront.
Cindy Wooden, bureau chief for Catholic News Service Rome, and Gina Christian, a multimedia reporter, also contributed to the report. EWTN will broadcast and livestream the pope's digital encounter.
No further information about the Indiana Jubilee 2025 was provided in the paragraph. The NFCYM described Pope Leo's participation as inspirational and hope-filled.
The NCYC is a biennial event that brings together thousands of young people from across the United States for faith formation, community building, and service. The event features workshops, keynote speakers, and opportunities for young people to engage with Church leaders and each other.
The digital encounter with Pope Leo XIV is sure to be a highlight of the NCYC and a memorable experience for the young people in attendance. Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting event.
