Pope Leo XIV urges children to limit phone use at Vatican summer camp

Pope Leo XIV addressed participants of the "Estate Ragazzi" summer camp at the Vatican on 22 June. Speaking in the Aula Paolo VI, he told the children that technology can be useful but should not dominate personal interaction. He warned that excessive screen time can undermine friendships and family bonds, saying, "God does not want to look at the phone, He wants to look at our hearts."

He urged families to put phones aside, to play, study and pray together, and to set limits on device use. The Pope also recalled getting lost while relying on GPS in the United States, Peru, Italy and other European countries, emphasizing the value of map reading and critical thinking: "I don't need a phone if the brain works. It can help, but we must also prepare ourselves."

The message was aimed at encouraging children and their families to balance digital tools with real‑world relationships and spiritual life.