Pope: Education should help young people find themselves and others

May 30, 2026 - 20:38

Pope Leo XIV addressed a Vatican conference on mental health, education, and digital technology on Wednesday, urging educators and parents to rethink how young people are guided in a rapidly changing world. Speaking to a gathering of psychologists, teachers, and tech industry leaders, the pontiff emphasized that modern schooling often focuses too narrowly on academic achievement or career readiness, neglecting the deeper human need for self-discovery and genuine connection with others.

"Education must not be reduced to a simple transfer of information or a race for credentials," the Pope said. "Young people today are drowning in data but starving for meaning. They need help rediscovering who they are and how to relate to their neighbors." He warned that digital devices, while useful, can isolate youth from authentic relationships and from the quiet reflection required to understand their own emotions and values.

The conference, held at the Pontifical Academy of Sciences, explored the intersection of rising anxiety and depression among adolescents with the pervasive influence of social media and screen time. Pope Leo called for a "pedagogy of encounter" that prioritizes listening, empathy, and shared experience over performance metrics. He urged schools to create spaces where students can ask big questions about purpose and belonging, not just solve equations or pass exams.

The Pope also addressed parents directly, encouraging them to model healthy technology use and to prioritize family conversations over digital distractions. "The most powerful educational tool is a loving, present adult," he said. The remarks come as Catholic institutions worldwide grapple with how to integrate mental health support into their educational missions.