Support the register

National Catholic Register News https://www.ncregister.com/features/watch-party-digital-encounter-pope-leo

Print issue
Subscribe to our Print Edition

Watch Party in the USA: Students Tune In for Pope Leo's Digital Address

As 16,000 youth gathered in person, thousands tuned in to EWTN to watch Pope Leo from their Catholic schools.

Teens Mia Smothers, Ezequiel Ponce, Micah Alcisto, Elise Wing, and Chris Pantelakis, and moderator Katie McGrady, right, take a “selfie” with Pope Leo XIV during a live digital encounter at Lucas Oil Stadium on Nov. 21, 2025.
Teens Mia Smothers, Ezequiel Ponce, Micah Alcisto, Elise Wing, and Chris Pantelakis, and moderator Katie McGrady, right, take a “selfie” with Pope Leo XIV during a live digital encounter at Lucas Oil Stadium on Nov. 21, 2025. (photo: Credit: Photo courtesy of Katie McGrady / Katie McGrady)
Jonah McKeown Features

All around the country, students at Catholic elementary and high schools attended watch parties to participate in Pope Leo XIV’s historic Nov. 21 “digital visit” to the United States.

Speaking via live video link to 16,000 young people gathered at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis for the 2025 National Catholic Youth Conference, the Pope offered guidance applicable to both teenagers and the universal Church — interspersed with some memorable quips.

Five teenagers preselected from around the country asked the Pope questions regarding the use of screens and artificial intelligence, recovering from past mistakes, entrusting worries to Jesus, avoiding distraction, and preparing for the future of the Church.

Here’s a selection of photos posted by just a handful of the many Catholic schools that gathered students to watch EWTN’s coverage of Friday’s dialogue between Pope Leo and the youth of the United States .


Jonah McKeown

Jonah McKeown Jonah McKeown is a Register staff writer. He previously was a staff writer and podcast producer for Catholic News Agency. He holds a master’s degree from the University of Missouri School of Journalism and has worked as a writer, as a producer for public radio, and as a videographer. He is based in St. Louis.

Trending

Subscription Options

  • Subscriber Service CenterAlready a subscriber? Renew or manage your subscription or gift subscription.

    My Account

  • Subscribe and SAVE at just $1.25 per issue!Start your Register subscription today.

    Subscribe Now

  • Give a Gift SubscriptionBless friends, family or clergy with a gift of the Register.

    Order Now

  • Order Bulk SubscriptionsGet a discount on 6 or more copies sent to your parish, organization or school.

    Order Now

  • Sign-up for E-NewsletterGet Register Updates sent daily or weeklyto your inbox.

    Sign Up