“Pope Leo Live: A Call to Unity and Hope” was presented by NCYC with Vatican Media and EWTN

Young people are part of the Church’s present and the future...Remember making a difference usually happens through simple, daily small actions.”
— Pope Leo XIV

INDIANAPOLIS, IN, UNITED STATES, November 23, 2025 /EINPresswire.com/ -- In an historic moment for the Catholic Church, His Holiness Pope Leo XIV addressed more than 16,000 young people gathered at the National Catholic Youth Conference (NCYC), produced by the National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry (NFCYM), today, marking the first-ever live digital encounter between the Holy Father and the youth of the Church.

The more than 45-minute global broadcast, Pope Leo Live: A Call to Unity and Peace, connected the Holy Father directly with teens from across the nation, as well as countless others joining online through EWTN’s television network and digital platforms worldwide and Vatican News network and platforms.

During his address, Pope Leo XIV reflected on themes of faith, the Sacraments, AI, unity, the future of the Church, and the hope that young people bring to the Church and the world today and the future. The Holy Father encouraged young people to be active in their faith and in the Church, helping others and teaching others, and to deepen their prayer life.

The Holy Father challenged young people to answer these questions: “What can I offer the Church right now? How can I help others to know Christ? How can I build peace in the world?” And then went on to say, “Young people are part of the Church’s present and the future. That is something to be excited about. Now is the time to dream big and to be open to the things that God can do through you. Remember making a difference usually happens through simple, daily small actions.”

The Holy Father closed by saying, “You are all called to be missionary disciples. Know that I am praying for you. May God continue to bless you and guide you. Thank you.”

The digital encounter with the Holy Father wrapped by over 16,000 young people in the Lucas Oil Stadium chanting, “Leo, Leo, we love Leo!”

Christina Lamas, Executive Director of the National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry (NFCYM), said the atmosphere in the arena was electric: “Seeing thousands of young people listening intently, cheering, and responding to the Holy Father’s words is unforgettable. This was a historic moment for the Church and for our world. And the young people in attendance will never forget this experience.”

Most Reverend Nelson J. Pérez, Archbishop of Philadelphia and Episcopal Advisor to NFCYM, emphasized the spiritual and pastoral significance of the moment: “In speaking directly to young people, Pope Leo XIV renewed their courage and strengthened their hope. He showed them that the Church walks with them in their fears, their questions, and their dreams. You could feel hearts opening in real time.”

Montse Alvarado, President and COO of EWTN News, reflected on the moment: “Broadcasting this historic encounter to millions around the world is a great honor for EWTN. To witness Pope Leo XIV speak so personally to young people - and to see them respond with such joy, conviction, and hope - is a moment the Church will remember for generations and we were able to capture it and broadcast it to the world. This is evangelization in real time, and we are humbled to help bring it to the world.”

EWTN served as the exclusive multi-cast provider for the event, bringing this historic encounter to viewers around the globe.

The 2025 National Catholic Youth Conference continues through Saturday in Indianapolis, bringing together young people, ministry leaders, clergy, and volunteers for three days of prayer, worship, service, formation, and community. Pope Leo’s participation added a deeply personal and spiritual dimension to this year’s gathering, leaving a profound impact on attendees and viewers alike.

For more information or to request media materials, please contact:
Honor & Gold PR
Kate Milligan — [email protected]
Kate Monaghan Connolly — [email protected]

ABOUT

About NFCYM:
The National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry (NFCYM) is a nationally recognized leadership alliance that supports and strengthens those who accompany young people as they encounter and follow Jesus Christ.
Website: https://nfcym.org/

About NCYC:
The National Catholic Youth Conference (NCYC), sponsored by NFCYM, has gathered young people from across the country since 1983 for prayer, formation, and celebration of faith.
Website: https://ncyc.us/

About EWTN:
Founded in 1981, EWTN is the largest Catholic media network in the world, reaching over 435 million television households in more than 160 countries and territories through TV, radio, digital platforms, and publishing.
Website: https://www.ewtn.com/

About Vatican Media and Vatican News:
Vatican Media is the official production service of the Holy See, responsible for filming, archiving and distributing Video, audio and Photographic material related to the Pope and Vatican activities Worldwide. Vatican News is the official multilingual portal of the Holy See, offering World wide updated articles and multimedia content on the Pope, the Vatican, the Church in more than 50 languages.
Website: https://www.vaticannews.va/en.html

Kate Monaghan Connolly
Honor & Gold
[email protected]

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