time in prayer in Eucharistic Adoration. He taught others, and, very importantly, he served the poor. He even set time limits for himself, allowing only a certain amount of time each week for leisure on his electronic devices. Because of this discipline, he found a healthy balance and kept his priorities clear. My friends, I encourage you to follow the example of Carlo Acutis. Be intentional with your screen time. Make sure technology serves your life and not the other way around. … As you all know, probably better than I do, AI is becoming one of the defining features of our time … AI can process information quickly, but it cannot replace human intelligence … It cannot offer real wisdom. It misses a very important human element: AI will not judge between what is truly right and wrong. And it won’t stand in wonder, in authentic wonder before the beauty of God’s creation. So be prudent; be wise; be careful that your use of AI does not limit your true human growth. Use it in such a way that, if it disappeared tomorrow, you would still know how to think, how to create, how to act on your own, how to form authentic friendships. Remember, AI can never replace that unique gift that you are to the world. How is the Catholic Church preparing for the future? When we face challenges or worries about the future, it might be good to remember that promise that Jesus once made to Peter, when He said, “The gates of hell will not prevail against the Church.” Jesus will always protect, guide and love His Church… When we speak and listen to one another in a prayerful way, we can be confident that Jesus is walking with us, even when the path ahead is not clear. When our bishops speak, when they teach us, we also can listen to them and find guidance through what they offer to their diocese, to the local Church, and, united together, to the whole Church. How can youth be part of the conversations about the Church? If you want to help the Church prepare for the future, start by being involved today. Stay connected to your parish. Attend Sunday Mass. Join youth activities and say “Yes” to opportunities, just as you’ve done taking part in this conference; opportunities where your faith can grow. The more you come to know Jesus, the more you will want to serve Him and His Church. One great way to build up the Church is by sharing your faith, teaching the faith to others, helping others who need you. Teaching is often the best way to strengthen your own understanding. Deepen your prayer life as well. Spend time praying before the Eucharist and Eucharistic Adoration. Go to Confession regularly; other practices of prayer and reflection and reading God’s Word. These practices help us hear God’s voice more clearly. If you feel the Lord may be calling you to something specific, to some vocation, talk to your parish priest. Talk to another trusted leader. They can help you discern what God is asking. So I invite you to reflect on these questions: What can I offer the Church for the future? How can I help others come to know Christ? How can I build peace and friendship around me? These questions are for today, and I believe your “Yes” will strengthen the Church now and in the years to come. How can I make a difference in the world? Many of you are ready to be generous, to help those you love, to work for something greater than yourselves. That is why it is not true that life is only about doing what feels good to yourself, that makes you feel comfortable, as some people claim. Sure, comfort can be nice, but as Pope Benedict XVI reminded us, we weren’t made for comfort. We were made for greatness… Authentic witnesses of the Gospel can help heal and unite humanity. Jesus also calls His disciples to be peacemakers, people who build bridges instead of walls, people who value dialogue and unity instead of division. Please be careful not to use political categories to speak about faith, to speak about the Church. The Church doesn’t belong to any political party. Rather, she helps form your conscience so you can think and act with wisdom and love. As you grow closer to Jesus, do not fear what He might ask of you. If He challenges you to make changes in your life, it’s always because He wants to give you greater joy, greater freedom. God is never outdone in generosity. Dear friends, as you discern your vocation, trust Jesus. He knows how to lead you to true happiness. … What greater gift can you offer the world than the gift of eternal life in Christ? What greater cause could you dedicate your life to than the Gospel? The world needs missionaries. It needs you to share the light and the joy that you have found in Jesus. The full transcript of Pope Leo’s conversation is posted on Marian.org/NCR1. ‘Many young people say, “No one understands me.” But that thought sometimes can isolate you. When it comes, try saying, “O Lord, You understand me better than I understand myself.” And trust that the Lord will guide you.’ Marian Helper • Spring 2026 • Marian.org 17
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