Archdiocesan high schools across the five-county region will hold simultaneous assemblies, called “Pope Rallies,” on November 21, 2025. The rallies are organized so students can witness a live digital event featuring Pope Leo XIV and American youth attending the National Catholic Youth Conference (NCYC) in Indianapolis.

Participating schools include Archbishop Wood High School in Bucks County, Bishop Shanahan High School in Chester County, Cardinal O’Hara High School in Delaware County, Pope John Paul II High School in Montgomery County, as well as Archbishop Ryan High School and Little Flower Catholic High School for Girls in Philadelphia County. Students at these schools will gather to watch what is being described as the first virtual conversation of this scale between a Pontiff and young people from the United States.

The live event is expected to connect approximately 15,000 young people at NCYC with millions more viewers worldwide through EWTN’s exclusive broadcast. This initiative is known as Pope Leo Live! and marks a historic moment for digital engagement by the Vatican.

Most Reverend Nelson J. Pérez, D.D., Archbishop of Philadelphia, who serves as Episcopal Advisor and Board Member for the National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry (NFCYM), will attend NCYC and participate remotely with Pope Leo XIV during the live session. Archbishop Pérez stated: “Even in a globalized world, the Church can seem far away for young people. The Holy Father’s choice to encounter the American Youth in this way is an expression of his closeness to Catholic youth, following in the footsteps of his predecessor Pope Francis who called the youth the ‘now of God’.”

The Vatican announced on August 15 that Pope Leo XIV would join this year’s NCYC via real-time digital connection. Christina Lamas, Executive Director of NFCYM—which sponsors NCYC—said: “We are humbled and thrilled to welcome the Holy Father to NCYC. His presence is a profound reminder that young people are at the heart of the Church and that their voices matter.”

EWTN serves as both broadcast and livestream media partner for NCYC and Pope Leo XIV’s session. Montse Alvarado, EWTN News President & Chief Operating Officer said: “The Jubilee of Digital Influencers and the Jubilee of Youth in Rome showed Pope Leo XIV’s tenderness and desire to reach young people where they are. This is another sign of his desire to dream and hope with those he called his ‘young pilgrims of hope’ to create a better world. The EWTN News team stands ready to share this message with all those who long to hear it.” Additional information about EWTN can be found at ewtn.com/.

The National Catholic Youth Conference runs from November 20-22 at Indiana Convention Center and Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis; more details are available at ncyc.us/. This year’s theme—“I Am | Yo Soy”—references God’s appearance to Moses through the burning bush while exploring how Sacraments unite believers with God.