Father Cosimo Schena, a priest in Italy, has gained over a million followers on social media platforms. He uses social media to share the Gospel in a positive and accessible way, inspired by the need to counter negativity online. Schena's followers include people of various ages and even those who do not identify as Catholic. He felt called to the priesthood after being inspired by his pastor and later left computer engineering studies to pursue it.
5 months ago
Father Cosimo Schena, a priest at St. Francis Parish in the Diocese of Brindisi, Italy, has become a prominent figure in the "digital missionary" movement, amassing over a million followers across various social media platforms, including Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook 1. His approach to evangelization involves conveying a simple, positive, and accessible message, which he believes is crucial in a world often saturated with negativity 1.
Father Schena, who holds doctorates in philosophy and psychology, and specializes in psychotherapy, began his social media presence four years ago with the aim of sharing inspirational quotes and spiritual videos 1. He emphasizes that his core strategy is to avoid complicating the message, stating, "the Lord is simple" 1. This straightforward approach resonates with a diverse audience, including many non-Catholics who appreciate his content despite not believing in God 1.
A significant motivation for Father Schena's digital ministry is his perception that "loneliness is the great disease of this century" 1. He receives hundreds to thousands of messages daily from followers, many of whom simply seek to be heard, highlighting a profound need for connection and listening in society 1. He attributes this widespread loneliness to an individualism imposed by modern society, which he believes the message of Christ can help alleviate, even for non-believers, by addressing a spiritual emptiness 1.
Father Schena's online presence has had a tangible impact on his physical parish, with church attendance reportedly doubling due to both local faithful and visitors from other Italian cities drawn by his homilies and confessions 1. This growing phenomenon of digital missionaries has gained official recognition from the Vatican, which celebrated the first Jubilee of Digital Missionaries and Catholic Influencers on July 28–29, 2025 1. This marks a shift, as such online ministries were previously viewed with suspicion by church authorities 1.
How does the Church evangelize in the digital age?
The Church evangelizes in the digital age by actively engaging with social media and other digital platforms, recognizing them as integral parts of contemporary human life and significant spaces for interaction and relationship-building . This engagement is not merely about being present, but about proclaiming the Gospel and fostering a culture of encounter, respect, dialogue, and friendship within these digital environments .
The Church has long recognized the importance of communication technologies for its mission. The Second Vatican Council's Decree Inter Mirifica highlighted the Church's duty to use and teach the proper use of social communication instruments for spreading the Gospel . Pope John Paul II emphasized that the Church must not only use mass media to spread the Gospel but also integrate the message of salvation into the "new culture" created by these powerful means . He referred to the world of communication as the "first Areopagus of the modern age," a new sector where the Gospel must be proclaimed .
Over the decades, the Church's understanding of digital communication has evolved:
The Church's approach to evangelization in the digital age involves several key aspects:
Christians are encouraged to confidently join the network of relationships made possible by the digital era, recognizing that this network is an integral part of human life . This involves meeting people where they are, including on social media, as the digital world is a significant part of young people's identity and way of life .
The core of digital evangelization remains the proclamation of the Good News of Jesus Christ . This requires communication that is respectful, sensitive, and stimulates the heart and conscience, reflecting the example of the risen Jesus . Believers are increasingly aware that if the Good News is not made known in the digital world, it may be absent from the experience of many people for whom this space is important .
Social media is seen as an environment where people interact, share experiences, and cultivate relationships . The Church aims to use these platforms to foster genuine human encounters and build virtual communities of faith, overcoming distance and isolation . Pope Benedict XVI encouraged promoting a culture of respect, dialogue, and friendship through media .
Believers are called to show their authenticity by sharing the profound source of their hope and joy—faith in God revealed in Christ Jesus . This sharing includes explicit expressions of faith and witness through choices, preferences, and judgments consistent with the Gospel . A significant way of offering witness is by patiently and respectfully engaging with others' questions and doubts as they search for truth and meaning .
Effective communication in the digital environment requires employing new languages, often accompanied by images and sounds, to enable the richness of the Gospel to reach the minds and hearts of all . The Church recognizes the need to understand the internet to communicate effectively with people steeped in this new technology .
While recognizing the benefits, the Church also acknowledges challenges such as the potential for excessive information, heated and divisive voices, and sensationalism . Therefore, attentive discernment is called for in the digital environment . The Church also seeks to promote a culture of respect for human dignity and a dialogue rooted in the sincere search for truth and friendship .
The Church's practical engagement with social media has been effective, as demonstrated by events like Pope Francis's prayer during the COVID-19 pandemic, which reached millions globally through live-streamed transmissions, fostering a sense of unity and communion despite physical distance . Many Christians and local communities are already engaged in faithful and creative ways on social media, giving witness to their faith .
In summary, the Church evangelizes in the digital age by embracing digital platforms as essential spaces for mission, proclaiming the Gospel with authenticity, fostering genuine human connection, and adapting its communication methods to the unique characteristics of the digital environment, all while promoting discernment and a culture of encounter .