Pope Leo XIV tells children at Vatican summer camp to use technology wisely, prioritize human relationships, and cultivate independent thinking.
Newsroom (22/06/2026 Gaudium Press ) During a visit to the Vatican’s Estate Ragazzi summer camp on Monday, Pope Leo XIV delivered a thoughtful and practical message to children and young participants, calling for a more balanced and mindful use of technology while emphasizing the enduring importance of human relationships, personal reflection, and spiritual life.
The visit, framed around the adventurous spirit of Jules Verne’s Around the World in 80 Days, offered a lively setting for dialogue. The Pope engaged directly with children, answering questions on everyday challenges—from screen addiction to decision-making—while drawing on personal anecdotes and broader reflections.
Putting Human Relationships First
Responding to a question about the difficulty of disconnecting from screens during the school year, Pope Leo XIV acknowledged the undeniable benefits of modern technology. However, he cautioned against allowing digital devices to replace meaningful human interaction.
“Technology can be very good and very useful for many things,” he said. “However, when we are together, it is not necessary to have a mobile phone, smartphone, or tablet in our hands at every moment.”
The Pope stressed that genuine connections—friendships formed through shared experiences such as playing, studying, and simply spending time together—are essential for personal development. He extended this reflection to family life, noting that shared time should not be fragmented by individual screen use.
“When a family is together, it is not enough for everyone to sit there looking at their own phone,” he said. “It is very important to learn how to talk, to have conversations, and to enjoy one another’s company.”
Technology and Spiritual Life
Beyond social interaction, Pope Leo XIV highlighted the relationship between technology and faith. While acknowledging that digital tools can provide access to religious texts and prayers, he emphasized that spirituality goes beyond screens.
“Even if we can have the Bible and prayers on our phones, God does not want to look at our phones,” he told the children. “God wants to look at our hearts and at our lives.”
The message underscored the importance of sincerity and presence in prayer, encouraging young people to nurture their inner lives alongside their external activities.
Recognizing Digital Dependence
Addressing older participants, the Pope took a more cautionary tone regarding the design of modern applications. He warned that many platforms are intentionally structured to keep users engaged for extended periods, fostering dependency.
“They try to make us dependent on this technology,” he said.
As a practical response, he encouraged setting boundaries—such as putting devices away at specific times of the day—to create space for conversation, family life, and reflection.
“We are not all plugged into a cable,” he remarked. “We are human beings.”
This reminder formed part of a broader call to preserve personal freedom by avoiding habits that limit autonomy and awareness.
Encouraging Independent Thinking
The discussion also turned to the Pope’s experiences traveling the world. Drawing on these journeys, he shared humorous but instructive stories about relying on GPS systems that occasionally led him astray.
“In Italy, in other European countries, in Peru, and once even in the United States, I followed the GPS, and it took me down the wrong road,” he said.
The anecdote served as a metaphor for over-reliance on technology. Pope Leo XIV urged children to develop their own judgment and critical thinking skills rather than depending entirely on digital tools.
“It is much better to learn to think for ourselves and to develop the critical ability to know where we are going in life,” he explained.
Highlighting the value of preparation and thoughtful decision-making, he added, “I do not need my phone if my brain is working.”
A Moment of Prayer and Celebration
The visit concluded on a celebratory note. The children named Pope Leo XIV “Chief Explorer” of the summer camp and presented him with an explorer’s kit and commemorative plaque, reflecting the adventurous theme of the program.
Before departing, the Pope invited the children to join him in prayer, encouraging them to share the experience with their families.
“Prayer is very important for us,” he said. “We want Jesus to be here with us.”
The encounter left participants with a clear message: while technology is an integral part of modern life, it should serve as a tool—not a substitute—for human connection, thoughtful living, and spiritual growth.
- Raju Hasmukh with files from Vatican News
Related Images:
