Young Pilgrims in the Heart of Pope Francis

Leslea Wahl reviews a 52-week devotional for teens from 153 Net Publishing.

Young Pilgrims in the Heart of Pope Francis 

Published by 153 Net Publishing

This 52-week devotional would make a wonderful faith-building gift for today’s teens. Each section includes a Bible verse, a quote from Pope Francis, and a brief reflection that teens can consider and apply to their current situations. The reflections focus on relevant topics such as relationship issues with friends and family, navigating social media and technology, and situations that may arise at school.

The teen years have always been hard. And today’s teens are bombarded with even more perilous situations. Our modern technology can make some things easier, but it also provides access to situations that are difficult to navigate.

The incredible wisdom from the saints of the past can provide a strong foundation for faith. However, it may also be helpful to have thought-provoking reflections from a more current perspective, based on the writings of a faithful servant who also lived in a world with modern technology and social media.

This book would make a great gift at any time, but it might be a particularly helpful tool as teens prepare for the coming school year.

Devotional Description (from the Publisher):

As a parent, nothing is harder than watching your teen struggle — and not knowing how to guide them without pushing them away.

In a world of constant notifications, shifting identities, and quiet doubts, many teens feel untethered — not because they’ve rejected faith, but because they’re unsure how it speaks into everyday life.

With school pressure, social media comparison, friendship drama, and big spiritual questions competing for attention, teens don’t want lectures — they want something honest and relevant.

52-Week Catholic Teen Devotional was created to offer exactly that.

This isn’t another devotional filled with abstract advice or outdated examples.

Each week addresses the real pressures teens face today — from exam anxiety to feeling left out, misunderstood, or unsure about what they believe.

Rather than preaching perfection, this devotional creates space for honest reflection. It reminds teens that doubt isn’t the opposite of faith — it can be the doorway to deeper understanding.

With short, weekly readings, relatable stories, and clear next steps, your teen can build a consistent spiritual rhythm that fits into even the busiest schedule — without guilt or pressure.

Inside this 52-week journey, your teen will discover:

• Relatable scenarios that speak directly to school stress, social media pressure, friendship drama, and identity struggles
• A safe space to explore doubt and big faith questions — without shame
• Practical, week-by-week faith tools to navigate anxiety, comparison, and peer pressure
• Devotions rooted in Scripture and thoughtfully unpacked through the compassionate wisdom of Pope Francis
• Encouragement to build resilience, forgive deeply, and grow stronger through setbacks
• Weekly reflections that take as little as 5 minutes, making growth realistic even in the busiest season
• A flexible, start-anytime format that allows teens to jump back in anytime — no guilt, no falling behind
• Clear scripture guidance that never assumes advanced Bible knowledge

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Copyright 2026 Leslea Wahl
Images: (top) detail from cover