Inside an NFL stadium late last month, the Church marked a new kind of digital encounter. Pope Leo joined the National Catholic Youth Conference at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis by live video, speaking to young Americans in their own Midwestern accent. Filmmaker Rob Kaczmark of Spirit Juice Studios, whose team was on-site capturing the moment, said it felt special even then, and he believes that in 10 or 20 years we’ll understand just how extraordinary it really was.

Rather than scolding technology, he spoke like a father who understands the tools his children are using. “AI can process information quickly, but it cannot replace human intelligence,” he told them. Using AI responsibly, he said, means using it only in ways that help you grow in dignity and holiness – and, very practically, “don’t ask it to do your homework for you.”

He warned that “it cannot offer real wisdom” and that AI “will not judge between what is truly right and wrong.” No algorithm can stand in authentic wonder before the beauty of God’s creation or form real friendships. Spiritually, he reminded the young adults that these years are for “deepening your friendship with God and becoming more like Him,” and for learning to think clearly, examine reality, and search for truth, beauty, and goodness with God’s grace.

Behind the scenes, Rob and his team were simply praying everything would work; the teens just assumed it would. After an hour of jokes, questions, and real-time interaction with the Holy Father, the day culminated in Eucharistic Adoration in the same space. Long lines for confession throughout the weekend showed how deeply the Holy Spirit was moving those young hearts.

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