Rome: Hundreds of Catholic digital missionaries and influencers from around the globe gathered in Rome on July 28–29 for a historic two-day Jubilee celebration, organized to foster spiritual communion and evangelization through digital platforms. Held under the auspices of the Dicastery for Evangelization and the Dicastery for Communication, this first-ever "Jubilee for Digital Missionaries and Influencers" was part of the broader Jubilee of Youth observances, focusing on sharing hope and building unity in an increasingly fragmented online culture.
The opening session at the Auditorium Conciliazione emphasized the need to reimagine digital presence not as a pursuit of popularity, but as a ministry of authenticity. Paolo Ruffini, Prefect of the Dicastery for Communication, welcomed attendees by describing the Church as “a network of people, not of algorithms.” He reminded participants that while the internet can connect millions, it is the divine presence that truly unites hearts.
Ruffini’s address reflected deeply on the nature of Christian witness in the digital world. He urged influencers to examine their content, intentions, and style of communication with humility and discernment. Quoting Pope Francis, he challenged them to consider whether their work fosters hope or deepens despair, asking, “Is our communication rooted in prayer, or have we adopted the language of corporate marketing?”
Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican Secretary of State, delivered a powerful message calling the digital generation to become “connected to hope.” In a world saturated with fake news, hate speech, and isolation, he said digital missionaries must act as witnesses of Christ’s light. “You are not just building platforms,” he told them, “you are building bridges.”
Throughout the Jubilee, a variety of workshops and spiritual activities were held to nourish the participants’ vocation. These included Eucharistic celebrations, Taizé-style prayer vigils, adoration, and the sacrament of reconciliation. Jesuit thinkers David McCallum and Antonio Spadaro led discussions on countering the culture of algorithms with Gospel values. The events were designed not only to teach, but to inspire participants to reflect, pray, and collaborate across cultural and linguistic boundaries.
A symbolic highlight of the Jubilee will take place on July 29 when all participants will walk together in pilgrimage to St. Peter’s Basilica, pass through the Holy Door, and consecrate their digital mission to the Blessed Virgin Mary in the Vatican Gardens. Paolo Ruffini called Mary “the first influencer of God,” underscoring the humility, courage, and obedience that must define every digital disciple.
The celebration will conclude with a cultural festival in Piazza Risorgimento featuring music, testimonies, and digital storytelling that reflects the diversity and creativity of the global Catholic community.
Throughout the event, Vatican News, Vatican Radio, and the Vox Vatican app are broadcasting updates to ensure a global reach. The overarching message of the Jubilee was clear: The internet must not merely be connected it must be made truly human and Christian. As Ruffini stated in his concluding remarks, “We are not alone. We are one people. And our mission is to bring the love of Christ into every corner of the digital world.”