Jan 1, 2026 / 06:00 am
On Nov. 21, 2025, Pope Leo XIV spoke to young Catholics during the National Catholic Youth Conference (NCYC) in Indianapolis, marking his first digital encounter with American teens.
During this encounter, several young people were chosen to ask the Holy Father questions. These questions ranged in topic from prayer and technology to friendships and the future of the Church. Pope Leo gave invaluable advice to all those gathered in the stadium and watching via digital media.
Inspired by this wisdom, and with New Year’s upon us, here are 10 ideas for commitments and pratices to implement in 2026:
1. Go to confession regularly.
When asked if it’s hard to accept God’s mercy after making a mistake or letting someone down, Pope Leo encouraged young people to go to confession frequently.
“In confession, Jesus meets us through the priest. When we honestly confess our sins and accept our penance, the priest gives absolution and we know with certainty that we are forgiven,” the Holy Father said. “So, yes, it can be discouraging when we fall. But do not focus only on your sins. Look to Jesus. Trust his mercy and go to him with confidence. He will always welcome you home.”
In the new year, make a concrete plan to receive God’s mercy more often instead of staying stuck in shame or discouragement.
2. Begin and end each day with Jesus.
Pope Leo recommended that everyone work on giving their problems to the Lord.
“Giving our problems to Jesus is something we can do, we need to do, again and again. Each morning we can invite him to be with us during the day. Each night we can talk with him about our day,” the pope said.
Try to offer your day to the Lord in the morning and review it with him at night, handing him your worries, joys, and failures.
3. Make Eucharistic adoration a habit.
In several instances, the Holy Father spoke about the importance of spending time with Jesus in Eucharistic adoration so that we can experience how “he looks at you with love.”
Commit to visiting Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament weekly, even briefly, and speak to him honestly from the heart.
4. Commit to real friendship with Jesus in prayer.
Pope Leo encouraged young people to form a real friendship with Jesus through daily prayer.
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“Jesus does not just understand our struggles from a distance,” the Holy Father said. “He actually wants us to hand them to him because he loves us. And that kind of trust starts when we have a real relationship. We cannot give our problems to someone who we barely know.”
In the new year, consider setting a daily time of silent prayer or Scripture reading so you are not giving your problems to someone you barely know but to someone you truly know.
5. Find and invest in one “faithful friend.”
Pope Leo acknowledged how difficult it can be for people to find and form genuine friendships. He described a real friend as someone who is “not only someone who’s fun to be with, though that is good too, but it’s someone who helps you grow closer to Jesus: someone who encourages you to become a better person.”
If you’re struggling with finding “faithful friends,” pray to find one or cultivate at least one friendship that helps you grow closer to Jesus and encourages you to seek help when life gets heavy.
6. Pray the rosary for help and protection.
The Holy Father reminded the faithful that in addition to speaking to Jesus about our daily problems, we should also remember to share those problems with the Blessed Mother.
“And remember also Mary, the mother of Jesus and our mother. She understands what we go through, and she prays for us. There’s a powerful way to ask for her help, and that’s praying the rosary,” Pope Leo said.
Consider praying the rosary more often in the new year — whether it be a decade a day or a full rosary once a week — and ask Mary to carry your struggles to her son.
7. Limit your screen time.
When speaking to the constant use of technology in our lives and how that can pull us away from spending time with Christ, Pope Leo used St. Carlo Acutis as an example. He explained that while Acutis used technology to help people grow in their faith, he set time limits for himself.
Due to 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,” he shared.
Try setting a specific and concrete limit on social media and entertainment so technology serves your vocation instead of ruling your day.
8. Choose one way to be more present in person.
Along similar lines, when speaking about the use of technology in our lives, Pope Leo also highlighted how too much use of technology can also pull us away from being present to others with whom we have relationships.
The Holy Father said: “There’s nothing that can replace true human presence, being with one another. So, while technology certainly can connect us, it’s not the same as being physically present. We need to use it wisely without letting it overshadow our relationships.”
In the new year, aim to intentionally prioritize a face‑to‑face encounter — such as sharing a family meal, going to a youth group, or visiting someone lonely — over staying behind a screen once a week.
9. Join something in your parish.
Pope Leo encouraged young people to get involved at their parishes, not only by attending Mass but also by taking part in other activities as well.
“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,” he said.
Look at the different activities or groups at your parish and make one concrete commitment to take part in something — maybe a youth group, singing in the choir, becoming a lector, or participating in a service ministry.
10. Teach the faith to someone else.
Sharing and teaching our faith to others is vital, Pope Leo explained, especially in helping the Church grow.
“One great way to build up the Church is by sharing your faith, teaching the faith to others, helping others who need you,” he said. “Teaching is often the best way to strengthen your own understanding. Deepen your prayer life as well.”
Consider becoming a catechist, volunteering in youth ministry, or peer mentoring in the new year.
