The first-ever Jubilee for Digital Missionaries and Influencers took place in Rome, bringing together digital missionaries and Catholic influencers. The event, part of the Jubilee of Youth, aimed to foster communion, deepen mission, and share hope through digital platforms. Paolo Ruffini, Prefect of the Dicastery for Communication, emphasized the importance of in-person connection and the unifying power of God. The Jubilee was promoted by the Dicastery for Evangelization in collaboration with the Dicastery for Communication.
6 days ago
The Vatican recently hosted the first-ever Jubilee for Digital Missionaries and Catholic Influencers in Rome, a two-day event held from July 28-29, 2025, as part of the larger Jubilee of Youth 14. This historic gathering brought together over 1,700 Catholic content creators from 75 countries to reflect on evangelization in the digital age 6 9. The event aimed to foster communion, deepen mission, and share hope through digital platforms, emphasizing the Church's commitment to engaging with modern technological culture 14.
Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, Pro-Prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelization, presided over the Mass for the digital missionaries, underscoring that everyone is an influencer and is influenced by their surroundings 1. He urged participants to be discerning in their use of platforms, warning against misinformation and manipulation, and stressing that "love cannot be generated by an algorithm" 6 9. Cardinal Tagle highlighted that God sent His Son, not a text message, to influence humanity with love, encouraging attendees to let God's love prevent "poisonous influences" online 1 6.
Pope Leo XIV made a surprise appearance at the conclusion of the Mass, receiving a "rock star's welcome" from the young attendees 4. He delivered a trilingual address in Italian, English, and Spanish, outlining three core missions for digital evangelists 1 3 7. His messages focused on promoting peace, upholding Christian humanism in digital culture, and fostering authentic relationships 1 7.
A central theme from Pope Leo XIV was the imperative to "nurture a culture of Christian humanism" in the technological age 1 7. He challenged digital missionaries to ensure that this culture "remains human," cautioning against the use of science and technology to undermine human dignity 1 7. The Pope stressed that their mission is not merely about "generating content" but about "creating an encounter between hearts" 3 5 7. This involves seeking out those who suffer and need spiritual healing, starting with an acceptance of one's own need for the Gospel 7 11.
Pope Leo XIV also urged influencers to "mend the nets," drawing a parallel to Jesus calling his first apostles 1 5. This means weaving "networks of relationships, of love, of gratuitous sharing where friendship is profound and authentic," rather than focusing on the number of followers 2 5. He emphasized creating spaces where "no ‘filter bubble’ can silence the voice of the weakest," thereby building a "single, immense network: the network of networks, the network of God" 1 5.
Vatican officials acknowledged the dual nature of the digital world, recognizing its immense potential for evangelization alongside risks like misinformation, polarization, and isolation 14. Paolo Ruffini, Prefect of the Dicastery for Communication, reminded participants that the Church was a "network" long before the internet, one made of persons, not algorithms 14. He questioned whether their communication was rooted in prayer or corporate marketing, urging humility and discernment 14.
Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican Secretary of State, reinforced that digital missionaries are "witnesses" building "bridges," and that even a short post can become a "spark of grace" when shared in faith and love 14. The discussions also touched on the growing influence of artificial intelligence, prompting a call for digital missionaries to reflect on the "authenticity of their witness" and their ability to genuinely listen and be understood 11 12.
The Jubilee highlighted the enthusiasm of young Catholic influencers, many of whom are active on platforms like Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok 6 9. One YouTuber, Benoît Gélébart, expressed a desire to invite Pope Leo XIV on the first "apostolic journey... on the Internet," envisioning a virtual World Youth Day to reach young people globally and demonstrate the Church's presence on this "digital continent" 13. The event concluded with a consecration of digital mission to Mary, seen as "the first influencer of God," and a festival celebrating unity and the joy of sharing hope 14.
How does the Church define authentic digital evangelization?
The Church defines authentic digital evangelization as a process that goes beyond mere presence on digital platforms to foster genuine human encounters, proclaim the Gospel with integrity, and witness to Christian life through consistent choices and respectful dialogue . It emphasizes that while technology offers new possibilities, the core of evangelization remains rooted in human interaction and the transformative power of God's word .
In essence, authentic digital evangelization is about bringing the transformative power of the Gospel into the digital sphere by fostering genuine human relationships, proclaiming the truth with integrity, and living out Christian witness consistently, all while exercising discernment and promoting the dignity of the human person .