A senior from Downey High School, Ezequiel Ponce, will participate in a groundbreaking digital question-and-answer session with Pope Leo XIV during the upcoming National Catholic Youth Conference (NCYC) in Indianapolis. This unprecedented event is set for November 21, 2024, and will mark the first time a pope has directly engaged with youth in the United States through a live online format.
The NCYC, taking place at Lucas Oil Stadium, is expected to attract over 15,000 participants aged 14 to 18. The conference provides a platform for Catholic youth, ministry leaders, and volunteers from across the country to come together for prayer, formation, and community celebration. This year, Pope Leo’s participation is anticipated to add a significant personal and spiritual element to the experience.
In the lead-up to the event, Ponce, who is 17 years old and a member of St. Dominic Savio Church in Bellflower, expressed his excitement upon learning he was selected to ask questions of the pope. “I was absolutely ecstatic,” Ponce said. “It’s the only thing I could think about.” He shared that he immediately informed his parents, who were equally thrilled about the opportunity.
Selecting participants for this unique Q&A session involved collaboration with youth leaders, including JC Montenegro, youth ministry coordinator at St. Dominic Savio. Montenegro recognized Ponce’s leadership qualities and insightfulness, noting, “Even at a young age, he’s a leader… always there to help others.” Ponce is actively involved in youth ministry at his parish and serves as the head counselor at the church’s summer camp, “Camp Savio.”
Ponce’s journey to this moment involved months of preparation, including virtual meetings with approximately 40 other teens nationwide. These discussions focused on the challenges facing young people today and potential questions for the pope. From this group, NCYC leaders selected five teens, including Ponce, to pose questions during the event. The selected participants represent a diverse array of regions and cultural backgrounds, adding richness to the dialogue.
As the event approaches, Ponce reflects on the significance of Pope Leo’s outreach to young people. He noted the importance of engaging in meaningful conversations, stating, “I honestly have been amazed by how much the pope genuinely wants to engage in dialogue.” Ponce emphasized that many young people feel misunderstood by older generations, particularly in the context of technology and the evolving social landscape.
The NCYC is a vital event for the Catholic community, fostering connections among youth and promoting active engagement in their faith. With Pope Leo XIV’s unprecedented virtual presence, this event is poised to become a memorable milestone in the history of youth ministry in the United States. The Archdiocese of Los Angeles has highlighted the profound impact this interaction can have, reinforcing the importance of faith in action among the youth.
As Ezequiel Ponce prepares for his moment in the spotlight, he carries with him the hopes and questions of many young people, eager to engage with the pope on a global platform.
