Mercy High School Baltimore freshman Mia Smothers is one of five high school students have been selected to speak via video link with Pope Leo XIV at this week’s National Catholic Youth Conference (NCYC) in Indianapolis, Ind. The dialogue with Pope Leo will take place on Friday, November 21 at 10:15 a.m. EST and marks the first time that a pope will directly engage with U.S. youth in a live digital session at NCYC. Mercy High School will host a “watch party” on Friday, November 21 in which all students will have the opportunity to watch the dialogue. Special guests will include Gregory Farno, chancellor of education for the Archdiocese of Baltimore, and Sister Patricia McCarron, Ph.D., SSND, superintendent of Archdiocese of Baltimore Catholic Schools. 
  
Smothers, the youngest teen selected, will attend the conference with members of her parish, St. Francis de Sales in Abingdon, Md. A graduate of St. Joan of Arc School in Aberdeen, Md., Smothers was suggested for a role in the exchange with Pope Leo by Mercy alumna Diane Moniuszko Lewis, director of evangelization at St. Francis de Sales. Initially, Lewis thought she was recommending Smothers to assist only in developing the questions for youth to ask the pontiff. After the process had concluded, Smothers learned she was selected for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
 
Archbishop William E. Lori notes, “Mia’s strong faith and generous heart shine in everything she does. Her deep love for Our Lord certainly inspires those of us around her. Being selected to speak with the Holy Father is a beautiful testament to the example she sets for her family, her parish, classmates, and community. We are thrilled for this opportunity for Mia.” Chancellor Greg Farno agreed, saying, “Mia is a shining example of the dedication to faith, service, and academic excellence that our schools strive to instill in every student. We are so proud to have Mia represent the young Catholics of America with her grace and insight at this blessed event.” 

Mercy High School’s president, Mary Beth Lennon, an alumna of the Class of 1985, was delighted to learn of Smothers’ selection. Lennon stated, “There are so many Mercy connections to Pope Leo, and we are delighted that Mia will represent young people, especially Mercy Girls, from across the United States. Mia is the embodiment of our Mercy, Catholic values.” Pope Leo was born on the southside of Chicago in a former Mercy Hospital and Medical Center, and his mother’s sister, Sister Mary Sulpice Martinez, was a Sister of Mercy. While serving as a missionary in Peru, Pope Leo encountered many Sisters of Mercy in a shared ministry with the Augustinian community in Chulucanas, Peru.
 
Smothers is the second in a family of ten children who reside with their parents, Chuck and Noma in Joppa, Md. The family’s mission statement, “Reach up, reach in, reach out” is a reminder to keep God and faith first, her family second, and to never forget service to others. For several years, Smothers has volunteered as an altar server, Vacation Bible School counselor, member of the youth group, and lector at St. Francis de Sales. In addition to her involvement in her parish, Smothers earned her Bronze Award as a Girl Scout by painting benches and working to restore Harford Glen Park. Although she paused to navigate the start of her freshman year, Smothers has also been an active civil air patrol cadet. The program, a nonprofit citizen auxiliary to the U.S. Air Force featuring leadership training and outdoor activities, strives to “transform youth into dynamic citizens.” Since beginning her time at Mercy, Smothers has joined the Mercy Madrigals and JV cheer team. When asked what she is most looking forward to at the conference, Smothers notes, “I am honored to speak with Pope Leo, but I am also looking forward to sharing my faith and participating in eucharistic adoration.”