- 30 July, 2025
Vatican City, July 29, 2025: Hundreds of Catholic digital missionaries and influencers from across the globe gathered in Rome on 28–29 July for the first-ever Jubilee for Digital Missionaries and Influencers. The two-day event, part of the Jubilee of Youth, aimed to deepen communion, reflect on mission, and share hope through digital platforms.
Promoted by the Dicastery for Evangelisation in collaboration with the Dicastery for Communication, the Jubilee created a space for reflection, prayer, and celebration among those who evangelise online—forming one Church without borders.
"A Network of People, Not Algorithms"
At the event’s opening at Rome’s Auditorium Conciliazione, Paolo Ruffini, Prefect of the Dicastery for Communication, welcomed participants and emphasised that what truly unites them is not technology, but God.
Ruffini reflected on the Church as a pre-digital “network,” one made of people, not content. He warned against self-promotion and superficiality and encouraged influencers to approach their mission with humility and reflection.
Quoting Pope Francis, Ruffini posed questions for discernment: “How do we sow hope amidst despair? How do we heal division? Is our communication rooted in prayer?” He urged attendees to resist being swept away by digital culture and instead “throw the net on the other side.”
“The Digital World Needs Hope”
Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican Secretary of State, addressed the gathering with a call to remain “connected to hope.” In a digital world often clouded by misinformation and isolation, he said, digital missionaries are called to be witnesses to Christ.
“You are not only content creators,” he stated. “You are witnesses… building bridges.” He urged participants to foster a Christian presence online marked by truth, charity, and humility, reminding them that even the smallest post can be a spark of grace.
Prayer, Mission, and Community
Events began with parish Masses around the Vatican and continued with conferences and roundtables featuring Jesuit contributors David McCallum and Antonio Spadaro. Workshops addressed real-world challenges in digital evangelisation, while prayer and community moments, including adoration and reconciliation, deepened the spiritual focus.
Mission Consecrated to Mary
On 29 July, participants will undertake a pilgrimage to St Peter’s Basilica, pass through the Holy Door, and celebrate Mass with Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle. Their mission will be consecrated to Mary, whom Ruffini called “God’s first influencer.”
The Jubilee will conclude with a joyful celebration of music and testimonies at Piazza Risorgimento.
“We are not alone,” said Ruffini. “Together, we are called to make the digital world not just connected, but truly human, truly Christian.”
Courtesy: Vatican News
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