Greetings from your hometown of Chicago! We are the students of St. Mary of the Angels School in Bucktown, and we are so excited to write to you. First and foremost, congratulations on becoming our new Holy Father and the first Pope from Chicago—we are so proud! Most importantly, because God chose you and knew you were the right person.
As part of our middle school education, we take a special class called Digital Virtues, taught by our pastor, Father John Waiss. In this class, we learn about the blessings and challenges of using technology and artificial intelligence (AI) in a way that honors our Catholic faith. We’ve discussed how AI can help doctors, students, and communities, but also how it can be misused to lie, cheat, or distract us from real relationships and our time with God. We too believe that this generation spends too much time on screens and should go outside and spend more time with others.
One big thing we’ve realized is the importance of using our devices with wisdom, prudence, kindness, and honesty. Whether it’s setting limits on screen time, putting phones away during Mass, meals, and family time, or while in our bedrooms or bathrooms; choosing to pray instead of scroll, we believe God is calling us to make good choices online and in real life.
Many of us also shared how much we appreciate having these conversations because most schools don’t teach about Digital Virtues. It helps us think more deeply about our actions and how to stay connected with our faith in the digital world.
We would be overjoyed and honored if you could visit our church and school. St. Mary of the Angels is one of the most beautiful churches in the country, filled with amazing art and one of the longest aisles in Chicago! We would love for you to join us for one of our Friday All-School Masses, meet our wonderful families and teachers, and maybe even share a little more with us about how the Church sees faith and technology working together.
A few of us are also curious—what is life like in Italy and at the Vatican? And if your schedule allows, could you please pray for our families and especially our grandparents? Know that we are praying for you, too.
Thank you for your leadership, for helping us live out our faith in the modern world, and for taking the time to read our letter. We hope to welcome you home soon!
The Students of St. Mary of the Angels School