Pope Leo XIV warns of digital crisis affecting youth and calls for peace prayer

Pope Leo XIV sees humanity at a critical juncture. Domradio reports that the pontiff has identified the consequences of the digital revolution for the mental health of young people as a central concern. According to his assessment, economic pressure and the global data network are influencing the inner orientation of young people in an alarming manner.

In an address to members of the Centesimus Annus Pro Pontifice Foundation, Leo XIV diagnosed a deeper anthropological crisis. Vatican News documents that the Pope traces current crises of democracy, the weakening of international cooperation, and growing social division to this fundamental crisis. The world is more divided than ever before, yet shared humanity could unite it again – such is the central message of the pontiff.

Rosary prayer for peace

On Saturday evening, Leo XIV responded to this diagnosis with concrete action. Catholic News Agency reports that the Pope called on the faithful to pray a rosary for peace. At 7 p.m., he himself led the rosary recitation at the Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes in the Vatican Gardens. In his address at the peace prayer, Leo XIV reaffirmed his conviction that prayer and inner renewal are necessary to meet present challenges.

The Pope's statements thus combine two levels: analytical criticism of digital and economic structures that destabilize young people, and a spiritual response through prayer and community. Leo XIV positions himself as a voice of warning for comprehensive renewal that demands both societal and personal transformation.