In an age where screens dominate our daily lives, Pope Francis is urging people to take a step back and reconnect in a more meaningful way.
For his April prayer intention, the pope is focusing on the responsible use of new technologies—reminding the world that while innovation is a gift, it should never come at the cost of real human relationships.
A Call to Look Up from Screens
In a heartfelt message released on April 1, Pope Francis spoke candidly about the modern tendency to prioritize screens over face-to-face interactions.
“How I would like for us to look less at screens and look each other in the eyes more,” he expressed in a prerecorded video.
“Something’s wrong if we spend more time on our cellphones than with people.
The screen makes us forget that there are real people behind it who breathe, laugh, and cry.”
His words reflect a growing concern about how technology is shaping human connections.
While smartphones and social media have made communication easier, they have also led to increased isolation and decreased genuine interaction.
Technology Should Unite, Not Divide
While Pope Francis acknowledges that technology is a product of human intelligence—something he considers a gift from God—he also warns that it must be used responsibly.
“It’s true, technology is the fruit of the intelligence God gave us. But we need to use it well.
It can’t benefit only a few while excluding others,” he cautioned.
He went on to encourage people to harness technology for good—to bring people together rather than drive them apart.
He emphasized its potential to aid the poor, improve healthcare, support people with disabilities, and protect the planet.
“Use technology to unite, not to divide. To help the poor. To improve the lives of the sick and persons with different abilities.
Use technology to care for our common home. To connect as brothers and sisters,” he urged.
Human Connection Remains the Most Important
For Pope Francis, the heart of the message is simple: real human interaction is irreplaceable. Looking into someone’s eyes, sharing a moment of genuine connection, and recognizing our shared humanity are what truly matter.
“It’s when we look at each other in the eyes that we discover what really matters: that we are brothers, sisters, children of the same Father,” he reflected.
A Prayer for Thoughtful Technology Use
To close his message, Pope Francis offered a prayer, asking that technology be used in ways that honor human dignity and strengthen relationships rather than weaken them.
“Let us pray that the use of new technologies will not replace human relationships, will respect the dignity of the person, and will help us face the crises of our times,” he said.
The Pope’s prayer intention is being promoted through the Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network, an initiative that raises awareness of his monthly spiritual messages.
As the world continues to embrace rapid technological advancements, his words serve as a reminder that while innovation can be a powerful tool, it should never come at the cost of authentic human connection.