A high school senior from Downey, California, will have the unique opportunity to ask questions of Pope Leo XIV during a groundbreaking digital encounter at this year’s National Catholic Youth Conference (NCYC). This historic event is set to take place on November 21, 2023, in Indianapolis, where Pope Leo will address over 15,000 young people aged 14 to 18 at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Ezequiel Ponce, 17, a senior at Downey High School and a member of St. Dominic Savio Church in Bellflower, is one of a select group of teens chosen for this momentous occasion. Unlike previous years when Pope Francis communicated via video messages, this event marks the first time a pope will engage directly with youth in the U.S. through a live online Q&A, broadcast by EWTN on YouTube.
The NCYC serves as a gathering for thousands of Catholic youth, ministry leaders, clergy, and volunteers, offering three days of prayer, formation, community, and celebration. Organizers believe that Pope Leo’s participation will bring a “deeply personal and spiritual dimension” to this vibrant celebration of faith.
Ponce expressed his excitement upon learning of his selection, stating, “I was absolutely ecstatic. I remember being in school and just doing my regular thing in class when I got the email, and my jaw drops. It’s the only thing I could think about.” He shared this news with his parents, who were equally thrilled.
The selection process involved collaboration with JC Montenegro, youth ministry coordinator at St. Dominic Savio. Montenegro identified Ponce as an insightful and committed young leader, saying, “Even at a young age, he’s a leader… he’s always there to help others, and I think that is something that is commendable.” Ponce actively participates in youth ministry, serving as head counselor at his church’s summer camp, “Camp Savio,” and has aspirations of becoming a math teacher.
In preparation for the upcoming event, Ponce has engaged in virtual discussions with approximately 40 other teens from across the country. These discussions centered on issues affecting their generation and the questions they might pose to the pope. After careful consideration, NCYC leaders selected five speakers, including Ponce, ensuring a diverse representation of regions and cultural backgrounds. Alongside Ponce, the other selected teens are Mia Smothers from Maryland, Elise Wing from Iowa, Christopher Pantelakis from Nevada, and Micah Alciso from Hawaii.
As he gears up for this significant moment, Ponce is encouraged by Pope Leo’s commitment to engaging with young people. He noted, “I honestly have been amazed at how much the pope genuinely wants to engage in dialogue. Young people often feel that older generations look down upon us, especially in the age of technology.”
This innovative interaction with Pope Leo XIV promises to inspire attendees and foster meaningful dialogue between generations. Participants at the NCYC will undoubtedly carry the experience forward, reflecting on the pope’s insights as they navigate their own journeys of faith.
