Pope Leo XIV has emphasized the growing importance of technology in shaping the future of young people during his visit to the Pope Francis Technology School in Mongomo, Equatorial Guinea.

The visit, which took place on the final day of his Apostolic Journey to the country, came just one day after the first anniversary of the passing of Pope Francis. The institution, named in honor of the late pontiff, is dedicated to equipping young people with technological and vocational skills, helping them build meaningful futures through education and innovation.

During his time in Mongomo, the Holy Father reflected on the legacy of Pope Francis, describing him as a faithful servant whose witness continues to inspire the Church in a rapidly changing world. The school itself stands as a continuation of that legacy—one that recognizes the urgent need to prepare young people not only spiritually, but also intellectually and technologically for the realities of today’s world.

The Pope’s visit underscores a deeper message: that education, especially in technology, is no longer optional for the Church’s mission, but essential. In a continent where youth make up a significant portion of the population, initiatives like the Pope Francis Technology School represent a bridge between faith and the future.

The Church has increasingly affirmed that faith and reason—and by extension, faith and technology—are not in conflict but in harmony. This was echoed during Pope Leo XIV’s engagement with academic communities in Equatorial Guinea, where he stressed that Christ does not stand in opposition to intellectual progress, but rather fulfills it.

This perspective challenges a long-standing misconception that technology and religion exist on opposite sides. Instead, the Church sees technology as a tool—one that, when rightly used, can advance human dignity, education, and evangelization.

In a world that is increasingly digital, the mission of the Church must also find expression in digital spaces. Just as the Pope Francis Technology School is empowering young people with practical skills, there is a growing need to empower Catholics with digital knowledge, tools, and platforms that can strengthen faith and community.

Digital education within the Church is not just about technical skills—it is about:

• forming minds that can engage culture intelligently

• creating platforms that spread truth and authentic teaching

• equipping young Catholics to evangelize in the digital age

Technology offers the Church unprecedented opportunities:

• to reach people beyond physical boundaries

• to provide accessible catechesis and formation

• to build communities of faith across nations

The visit of Pope Leo XIV to the Pope Francis Technology School is more than a symbolic gesture—it is a sign of direction.

It points to a Church that is:

• attentive to the needs of young people

• open to innovation

• committed to using every good tool available for mission
  

As Yes Catholic Hangout continues its work, the goal remains clear:

to be part of this movement—where faith meets technology, and where the digital world becomes not a distraction from the Gospel, but a powerful channel for it.

We will love you to join us in this mission.