The Exhortation of Pope Leo XIV
"Be agents of communion, capable of breaking the logic of division and individualism. Be centered on Christ to overcome the ways of the world." With these words, on 29 July 2025, Pope Leo XIV addressed the participants of the first Jubilee for digital missionaries and Catholic influencers in St. Peter’s Basilica, encouraging them to continue their mission at the heart of the digital world.
Grounded in the Gospel and aware that “digital culture is now present in almost everything,” the Pope emphasized that this realm must be inhabited with an evangelical spirit. He outlined three key challenges:
Nurture a culture of Christian humanism Seek “the suffering flesh of Christ” even in the hidden faces of the web Mend not only digital networks but also relational and community ones
"Build networks of love and sharing, networks that save, networks that help rediscover the beauty of looking into each other’s eyes," the Pope urged. His call was for a humble, concrete witness that begins with one's own need for the Gospel.
A Message from the Salesian General Councillor for Social Communication: "Young People, Be Open!"
Present at the Jubilee gathering was the General Councillor for Social Communication, who shared a message of encouragement with all digital evangelizers and young people.
"My message is very simple," he stated. "Young people, be open! You are not just recipients of the Gospel—you are sent forth. You are missionaries, starting with your peers and families, and reaching beyond, into your everyday lives and also into the digital world. Be creative and use your youthful energy to serve Jesus. God bless you!"
Ecclesial Recognition of a Mission Already Underway
For many participants, scholars, and observers of the online world, the Jubilee marked a historic moment. For the first time in a Jubilee context, the Church explicitly recognized digital evangelization as an authentic form of mission.
Raffaele Buscemi, professor of Communication at the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross, described it as “a gesture of trust and listening,” but also a call to responsibility. “People today live their faith through screens, feeds, and shared content,” he explained. “It’s no longer enough to say social media are tools—they’ve become environments, and that’s where the Gospel must be brought.”
Journalist Guido Mocellin, columnist for Avvenire and curator of WikiChiesa and Digital Missionaries, called this thematic Jubilee “the Church’s response to a sign of the times.” After the pandemic and the Synod’s reflections, he said, it was inevitable that digital missionaries would receive formal recognition during the Holy Year.
A Diverse and Growing Reality
Opening the Youth Jubilee, this event highlighted the diversity of voices, styles, and charisms within the Catholic digital world. A shared awareness emerged: evangelization isn’t about numbers or going viral. It must not become a form of spiritual marketing.
“The risk,” warned Buscemi, “is turning faith into a product to sell.” The focus, as Pope Leo reminded everyone, must remain Christ—not personal branding. Followers should become brothers and sisters, united by authentic relationships.
Mocellin added that while some digital missionaries may have "rockstar-level audiences", what truly matters is their ability to build real communities rooted in Christian values. This marks a shift from viewing the digital space as a means to embracing it as a place of communion.
Facing Challenges: Discernment, Formation, Identity
Telling a credible story—that faith is life, welcome, and joy—is a vital challenge, especially when reaching youth distant from the Church. As Eleonora Commentucci noted, “Many think Christianity is judgmental and closed-off. But if we can show that faith is joy, freedom, and love, we can bridge that distance.”
This mission calls for formation, discernment, and responsibility. There is an urgent need for professional support, investment in resources, and greater ecclesial awareness.
“For example,” Mocellin pointed out, “while the Synod spoke extensively about digital mission, very few digital missionaries actually talked about the Synod on their platforms.”
A Call to Animate Jubilee Hope
Digital missionaries are an important resource for the Church, especially in rekindling jubilee hope grounded in faith. The Church’s task is to value and guide them, while also allowing space for creativity—expressed through new forms and languages shaped by the Spirit, which moves wherever it wills.
