The people's voice of reason
The people's voice of reason
Pope Leo XIV
In a striking display of modern evangelization, Pope Leo XIV recently welcomed more than a thousand Catholic social media influencers and digital missionaries to the Vatican for the Jubilee of Digital Missionaries and Catholic Influencers, held July 28–29, 2025. The event marked a significant moment in the Church's evolving relationship with technology, as the pontiff embraced the power of online platforms to spread the Gospel and foster global community.
The gathering, which coincided with the broader Jubilee of Youth, brought together participants from dozens of countries for two days of prayer services, workshops, and spiritual formation. The Vatican's Dicastery for Communication organized the event, recognizing the growing impact of Catholics who evangelize through Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, and other digital channels.
"It is not simply a matter of generating content but of creating an encounter of hearts," Pope Leo XIV said during his address at the closing Mass in St. Peter's Basilica.
The Pope's message centered on three key missions for digital missionaries: proclaiming peace, seeking the suffering Christ in others, and nurturing a culture of Christian humanism. He emphasized that online evangelization must go beyond algorithms and metrics, focusing instead on authentic relationships and spiritual depth.
A New Era of Evangelization
The Jubilee marked a turning point in how the Church views digital outreach. Father Lucio Ruiz, deputy head of the Vatican's communication department, explained that many of these influencers had previously operated in isolation, without formal recognition or support from Church authorities. Since 2018, the Vatican has hosted online prayer meetings and formation sessions to connect and empower these digital missionaries.
The event's programming included theological talks, media ethics workshops, and liturgical celebrations. Participants shared best practices for engaging audiences while remaining faithful to Church teaching. The Vatican also hosted a music festival to celebrate the creative spirit of the attendees.
Pope Leo's Personal Touch
Pope Leo XIV, the first American pontiff, has shown a keen understanding of digital culture. Before his papacy, then-Father Robert Prevost spoke about the need for the Church to engage with social media thoughtfully, warning against superficiality and emphasizing the importance of critical thinking and spiritual formation.
During the Jubilee, Pope Leo made appearances in multiple languages-Italian, English, and Spanish-underscoring his commitment to global inclusivity. He greeted participants personally, blessed families, and even signed portraits for pilgrims, creating moments of connection that resonated far beyond the Vatican walls.
A Broader Vision for the Church
The Jubilee of Digital Missionaries was part of a larger Holy Year celebration expected to draw over 30 million pilgrims to Rome. The Vatican has also hosted events for youth, grandparents, and the elderly, emphasizing intergenerational dialogue and spiritual renewal.
In his remarks, Pope Leo called on digital missionaries to be "witnesses of justice and peace" and to use their platforms to uplift the marginalized and promote truth. He acknowledged the challenges posed by artificial intelligence and media saturation, urging influencers to remain rooted in prayer and discernment.
"We have a duty to work together to develop a way of thinking, to develop a language of our time, that gives voice to love," he said.
Looking Ahead
The Jubilee has sparked conversations about how the Church can better support online evangelists and integrate digital ministry into its broader mission. With Pope Leo's encouragement, many attendees left Rome inspired to deepen their faith and expand their outreach.
As the Church continues to navigate the complexities of modern communication, events like this Jubilee signal a hopeful future-one where tradition and innovation meet in service of the Gospel.
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