What An Encounter!
Relive the Digital Encounter with our Holy Father!
Post Encounter Resources
Below you’ll find downloadable tools and guides to help you reflect on the encounter and accompany young people in meaningful ways:
Parish Youth Ministry
Catholic Schools
Families
Be part of the historic dialogue with Pope Leo XIV
In an era where the digital and spiritual life intersect, Pope Leo XIV is breaking new ground. For the first time ever, a pope will engage directly with young people at the National Catholic Youth Conference (NCYC)—and for Pope Leo XIV, this will be his first-ever digital dialogue with young people in the United States.
The encounter will take place on Friday, November 21, 2025, at 10:15 am ET | 7:15 am PT during NCYC’s morning general session. Pope Leo XIV will participate in a 45-minute real-time dialogue with young people gathered at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis and with thousands more joining from around the world via livestream.
Broadcast globally by EWTN, the exclusive multi-cast provider, this event isn’t just a speech—it’s a true encounter. The Holy Father will listen and respond as young people share their hopes, struggles, and faith. It’s a moment that says to every young person: your voice matters in the life of the Church.
A comprehensive digital experience is available to all in preparation for the encounter!
The Digital Experience includes:
- A recording of the pre-event gathering, which took place on November 11. The gathering featured special guests, exclusive content, and behind-the-scenes stories.
- A recording of the livestream, ensuring you have a front-row seat
- Post-event resources to bring the Pope’s message into your home, parish, or classroom.
Registration is free and open to everyone. Participants will also be entered to win passes to 2026 NCYC, limited-edition NCYC hat like Pope Leo’s, and more!
More than 30 young people have already helped shape the themes of this dialogue—exploring questions of faith, vocation, mental health, and the future of the Church. This week, 30 group leaders were drawn by lottery to each send one young person into the final round of discernment. From that group, a select few will be chosen to speak directly with Pope Leo XIV during this historic encounter.
Join us this November as the Church meets young people where they are—online and in person—to share faith, hope, and the promise of a new generation.
Pre-Event Guests
Meet the Digital Experience Pre-Event gathering guests.
Radio Host, Author, Speaker
Montse Alvarado
President and COO of EWTN News, Inc.
Executive Director of NFCYM
Matt Maher
Award-Winning Catholic Music Artist
Eliza Monts
Digital Influencer – @Elizawritesthings
Fr. Leo Patalinghug
Author, Chef, Digital Influencer
Archbishop Nelson J. Pérez
Archbishop of Philadelphia
Monsignor Lucio Ruiz
Secretary of the Dicastery of Communication
Jonathan Roumie
Actor, The Chosen
Tania Vergara-Gongora
National Youth Advisory Council Alumni
Archbishop Nelson J. Pérez
Archbishop of Philadelphia
Monsignor Lucio Ruiz
Secretary of the Dicastery of Communication
Promo Materials
Join us in sharing this historic moment when Pope Leo XIV connects directly with young people at the National Catholic Youth Conference (NCYC) through the NCYC Digital Experience. Below you’ll find ready-to-use content to help promote the experience within your community, parish, or network. Together, let’s invite others to be part of this groundbreaking encounter of faith and connection!
