La Iglesia (global) en la misión de Cristo en internet en 2026
Aquí damos seguimiento a lo que las conferencias continentales y nacionales, así como las Iglesias locales de todo el mundo, están haciendo para responder al llamado de la Santa Sede a estar en la misión de Cristo en internet.
De dónde vienen las noticias de 2026
Las noticias más recientes de lo que está pasando en todo el mundo.
Papa y obisposSanta Sede7 de noviembreMontevideo, Uruguay
In Montevideo, Pope Leo asks Catholic education to put the person before the algorithm
«judicious use of technologies and AI, placing the person before the algorithm»
On November 7, 2026, Pope Leo XIV met the education community at the Catholic University of Uruguay in Montevideo. He said schools and universities must contribute to the "judicious use of technologies and AI, placing the person before the algorithm", quoting his apostolic letter Drawing New Maps of Hope. He also warned that intelligence is attributed to computational systems while human dignity goes unrecognized.
Argentine survey: 17.4% of Catholics ask AI chatbots about religious topics
La Nación reported on November 7, 2026 that the National Survey on Lived Religion (Enrevi 2026, Universidad Católica de Córdoba and Boston College) found 17.4% of Catholics consult AI chatbots on religious topics. The report also notes signs of young people returning to the sacraments in some parishes.
Milan archdiocese forms clergy, religious and laity on AI with a content creator on stage
«La verità come bene comune. L'IA tra rischio e opportunità»
On November 7, 2026 the Archdiocese of Milan held a study day at the Seveso pastoral center, "La verità come bene comune. L'IA tra rischio e opportunità", rereading Pope Leo XIV's Magnifica humanitas. Talks included Marco Tarabini of the Politecnico di Milano and content creator Eby Toffoloni, followed by a roundtable.
FormandoConsejo continental7 de noviembreKandy, Sri Lanka
Radio Veritas Asia's Sinhala Service turns fifty and is urged to renew its digital mission
«Technology will change. Platforms will come and go. But our mission remains the same»
On November 7, 2026 RVA's Sinhala Service celebrated its golden jubilee in Kandy. Fr. John Mi Shen, RVA program director and executive secretary of the FABC Office of Social Communication, urged it to move onto digital platforms for younger audiences: "Technology will change. Platforms will come and go. But our mission remains the same."
Ibiza diocese's pastoral plan adds AI training for homilies and Cáritas volunteers
El Debate reported on November 7, 2026 that the Diocese of Ibiza and Formentera's 2026 to 2030 pastoral plan, approved by Bishop Vicent Ribas, includes a homiletics workshop on AI tools and, from 2027 to 2028, AI training for Cáritas volunteers. El Debate notes the plan does not say which apps will be used or how data will be handled.
Avvenire column cites ELab and asks how to form digital missionaries without feuds
«la prudenza funziona male su Internet, l'algoritmo premia proprio il suo contrario»
On November 7, 2026 Guido Mocellin's Wikichiesa column in Avvenire took Evangelization Lab's weekly roundup as a starting point and looked at prudence online, citing the Archdiocese of Denver's restriction on Fr. Chad Ripperger and the public exchange between Cardinal Jean-Paul Vesco and Bishop Robert Barron. He writes that "la prudenza funziona male su Internet, l'algoritmo premia proprio il suo contrario" (prudence works badly on the internet, the algorithm rewards its opposite).
Zaragoza archdiocese hosts first Fe en Red congress for Catholic creators on November 14
«El único influencer es Jesucristo»
Archdiocese of Zaragoza, November 14, Cuarte de Huerva, Spain. This Saturday is the first "Fe en Red" congress on digital evangelization, with the motto "Conectados para Evangelizar", a Mass presided by Archbishop Carlos Escribano and a final moment of adoration before the Blessed Sacrament. One of the speakers, Fr. Fernando López-Rivera, puts it simple: "El único influencer es Jesucristo" (the only influencer is Jesus Christ). Iglesia en Aragón
EnviandoConferencia episcopal6 de noviembreArgentina
Argentine bishops' digital missionaries cover Pope Leo's visit with 55 hours of streaming
«Todos nos hemos anotado sin la expectativa de estar cerca del Papa»
Argentine Episcopal Conference, November 8-11, during Pope Leo's visit. The bishops are streaming about 55 hours of the visit on their YouTube channel, and the digital missionaries team of their Social Communication Commission, presided by Bishop Jorge Lozano, is out as correspondents in the cities the Pope visits. My friend Fr. Pablo Savoia (Perfil calls him a key piece of the bishops' communication strategy) said "Vamos a estar acompañando la transmisión con distintos misioneros digitales de todo el país" (we are going to accompany the broadcast with different digital missionaries from all over the country), and about being called an influencer: "Ese título no me gusta mucho. Me suena a que estoy vendiendo un producto y nosotros no vendemos nada" (I don't like that title much, it sounds like I'm selling a product and we don't sell anything). Los Andes told the story of one of them, Nicolás Debé, 21, a Digital Communication student at UCA in Mendoza who got invited to the team after one of his reels went viral, and who planned a reel a day while also scanning QR codes and handing out water to pilgrims: "Todos nos hemos anotado sin la expectativa de estar cerca del Papa" (we all signed up without expecting to be close to the Pope). Misioneros Digitales Católicos / Perfil / Los Andes
This is happening right now! It's the first papal visit to Argentina since St. John Paul II in 1987 and the bishops are sending their own digital missionaries to cover it. And I love that he is also handing out water, go follow them this week.
Papa y obisposSanta Sede6 de noviembreRome and the Vatican
Pope presents new communications prefect and asks for an explicitly missionary approach
On November 6, 2026, on the flight to Uruguay, Pope Leo XIV introduced Maria Montserrat Alvarado, prefect of the Dicastery for Communication since November 1 and the first woman to lead it. AP reports the Pope wants Church communications to have an "explicitly missionary perspective"; Alvarado said digital and traditional communications are coming together.
Catholic AI builders meet at the Gregorian as Cardinal Czerny says the Church must listen
The Builders AI Forum met at the Pontifical Gregorian University on November 5 and 6, 2026, around Pope Leo XIV's encyclical Magnifica Humanitas, with tracks on evangelization, healthcare, education and online safeguards. Speakers included Cardinal Michael Czerny, prefect Montse Alvarado, Longbeard CEO Matthew Sanders and Megan Garcia, whose son died after forming an attachment to a chatbot.
Reuters: Latin American priests and lay creators take to TikTok as the Church weighs risks
«Everyone with a mobile phone can share something about our faith»
A Reuters report from Mexico City on November 5, 2026 profiles Catholic creators in Latin America, including Mexican priest and filmmaker Heriberto Garcia, and mentions a Vatican committee created after the 2024 Synod to support creators in the region. Colombian deacon Rafael Beltran, a committee member, said "Everyone with a mobile phone can share something about our faith".
OSV News: parishes use AI for flyers as a diocese asks for disclosure and care
An OSV News report published November 5, 2026 looks at parishes making flyers with AI. It describes the Diocese of Little Rock's guidelines, which require disclosure of AI use, bar altering images of real people without permission and protect photos of minors.
Two Italian digital missionaries debate excommunicating ex-priest influencer Ravagnani
«fidiamoci della Chiesa, qualunque decisione prenderà»
On November 5, 2026 UCCR published a debate between blogger Pietro Calore and Catholic content creator Nicola Camporiondo about former priest and influencer Alberto Ravagnani. Calore argues for excommunication; Camporiondo calls it premature and says "fidiamoci della Chiesa, qualunque decisione prenderà" (let us trust the Church, whatever decision it makes).
ReconociendoConferencia episcopal4 de noviembreBuenos Aires, Argentina
Perfil profiles Fr. Pablo Savoia, the priest behind the Argentine bishops' digital plan
«Ese título no me gusta mucho»
Perfil profiled Fr. Pablo Savoia of the Diocese of San Martín on November 4, 2026, calling him key to the Argentine bishops' conference communication strategy for Pope Leo XIV's visit. On being called an influencer he said "Ese título no me gusta mucho" (I don't much like that title), and "Yo siento que me estoy metiendo en una cultura nueva, no física" (I feel I am entering a new culture, a non-physical one).
Monterrey priest and digital missionary warns about online hate and likes-based self-worth
«You are not worth more because you have many followers, nor are you worth less because no one 'liked' your post»
In an interview published by EWTN News on November 4, 2026, Fr. José Juan Montalvo (Padre Borre), described as founder of the digital ministry of the Archdiocese of Monterrey, said online mockery and hate speech harm young people. "You are not worth more because you have many followers, nor are you worth less because no one 'liked' your post," he said.
Papa y obisposSanta Sede3 de noviembreRome and the Vatican
Pope Leo's World Youth Day message warns about social media images and fake empathy
«a tecnologia pode imitar a empatia, mas não substituir a autêntica proximidade humana»
On November 3, 2026 the Vatican released Pope Leo XIV's message for the 41st World Youth Day, signed October 22 and leading to Seoul 2027 (diocesan celebration November 22). It says images created by social networks can make it hard for young people to accept their identity, and that "a tecnologia pode imitar a empatia, mas não substituir a autêntica proximidade humana" (technology can imitate empathy but cannot replace authentic human closeness).
Asian bishops' media office seeks AI safeguards and a committee for digital missionaries
«Behind every screen, there is a face»
FABC Office of Social Communication, October 27-31, in Macau. The Asian bishops' communications office closed its meeting with a statement signed by its chairman, Bishop Junie Maralit (yes, the "appetizer" bishop from last week), asking the bishops' conferences to put pastoral safeguards for AI in place and to support their digital missionaries more, with plans for a regional committee to train and support them. The statement says "Behind every screen, there is a face," and "only human persons can carry authentic presence."CBCP News / Vatican News
In September they were commissioned in Quezon City and now there's going to be a committee to keep walking with them, accompanying at the size of a whole continent!
FormandoConferencia episcopal31 de octubreRome and the Vatican
Italian bishops' youth office opens podcast season two with an episode on digital life
«La fede senza filtri»
On October 31, 2026, the Italian Bishops' Conference national youth ministry service announced the second season of its podcast "La fede senza filtri". The first episode, hosted by Matteo Pasqual, looks at digital life and identity with psychologist Roberta Carta and a young guest, Celeste Spiaggia.
Papa y obisposSanta Sede30 de octubreRome and the Vatican
Pope Leo on AI: 'machines are tools, not persons'
Addressing the meeting 'The Future of AI' organized by the Pontifical Academy for Life with the Future of Life Institute on October 30, Pope Leo XIV said the decisive question is what purpose AI should serve, called for human oversight of decisions about life and freedom, and warned against legal personhood for AI.
Palmira diocese trains its priests on evangelizing in the age of AI
From October 28 to 30, 2026, the Diocese of Palmira (Valle del Cauca, Colombia) held a formation course on digital evangelization in the age of artificial intelligence led by Fr. Andrés Felipe Rojas Saavedra, C.M., founder of Corazón de Paúl. Around 70 to 80 priests took part on October 28 and 29, and religious and laity on October 30; a 20-page booklet was shared as support material, not as a diocesan norm.
Diocese of Fano creates a diocesan service for digital pastoral care and AI
«Gli strumenti digitali non sono più mezzi tecnici ma generatori di un nuovo pensiero»
Diocese of Fano-Fossombrone-Cagli-Pergola, Italy, reported October 29. Bishop Andrea Andreozzi set up a new diocesan Service for Digital Pastoral Care and Artificial Intelligence and entrusted it to Fr. Giacomo Ruggeri, who has taught theology of communication for years. It will offer formation and also publications "per aiutare famiglie e genitori" (to help families and parents), and the announcement says "Gli strumenti digitali non sono più mezzi tecnici ma generatori di un nuovo pensiero" (digital tools are no longer technical means but generators of a new way of thinking). AgenSIR
ReconociendoConferencia episcopal28 de octubreVenezuela
Venezuela's bishops set up a national Digital Mission team
«la presencia evangelizadora de la Iglesia en el continente digital»
October 28, Venezuela. Remember the first assembly of Digital Missionaries in Venezuela from last week? Well, the bishops' communication commission, chaired by Bishop Luis Enrique Rojas, now has a national Digital Mission team, coordinated by Fr. Carlos Quiva from the Archdiocese of Maracaibo with Sr. Indira Figueroa, and María Gabriela Moniz from the Diocese of Los Teques. The CEV describes their work as "la presencia evangelizadora de la Iglesia en el continente digital" (the evangelizing presence of the Church in the digital continent). CEV
Presencia en internetDiócesis28 de octubreMoscow, Russia
Moscow's Catholic archdiocese launches a digital ecosystem around a new portal
The Archdiocese of the Mother of God in Moscow will present a new Catholic multimedia portal on November 1 at an event called "Unirsi per unire" (Unite to unite), with Bishop Nikolaj Dubinin, spokesperson and portal editor Anastasija Bozio, developer Leonid Mel'ničuk and Anna Garanova of the JaKatolik app. The app, started by lay Catholics in May 2020, holds the Catechism, the missal, prayer books, a songbook and a map of parishes, and becomes part of the new ecosystem.
FormandoSanta Sede28 de octubreRome and the Vatican
Swiss Guard adds a month of training because 'the world is watching' on phones
The Pontifical Swiss Guard lengthened recruit training from two to three months this year, partly out of concern for its public image now that anyone can film with a phone, according to Sergeant Major Marco Radovinovic, in charge of training. Recruits now train two months in the Vatican instead of one in Rome and one with the Swiss police.
Veracruz parish warns of fake priests selling 'express sacraments' on WhatsApp
San Miguel Arcángel parish in Tomatlán, Veracruz, warned of impersonators offering "sacramentos exprés" and invalid documents for money, including through social media, intermediaries and WhatsApp messages. It asked people to check with the parish office that a minister is ordained and has faculties before paying anything, and to avoid spreading unverified accusations.
Cameroon's Obala diocese warns of a fake Facebook account of its bishop asking for money
The Diocese of Obala warned in an October 24 release that a Facebook profile called "Bayemi Bayemi" was impersonating Bishop Sosthène Léopold Bayemi Matjei and promising jobs, social assistance and "special blessings" in exchange for money. The diocese said the bishop's official account remains under his exclusive control and that cybersecurity services and judicial authorities were working to identify those responsible.
Cuba's diocesan communicators meet on the Church's presence on social media
«ejemplo, guía, luz y sal»
The national meeting of diocesan communicators of the Catholic Church in Cuba opened October 26 in Ciego de Ávila with Mass presided by Bishop Juan Gabriel Díaz Ruiz of Matanzas, president of the bishops' communication commission, who asked them to be "ejemplo, guía, luz y sal". The agenda includes the Church's presence on social networks and its impact on different age groups, and next year's lines of action.
Papa y obisposSanta Sede24 de octubreRome and the Vatican
Pope Leo tells Catholic educators to watch for students' 'digital solitudes'
Speaking to some 1,200 educators at the Rome congress on school and university ministry, Pope Leo XIV warned about the 'digital solitudes' affecting young people and a culture of performance that leaves students feeling anonymous, according to Aleteia. He called for an education of the heart.
Milan's oratories review year one of training 1,000 teens as digital storytellers
«SocialCrew Oratorio, Nuovi narratori digitali»
The Fondazione Oratori Milanesi held "SocialCrew Talks" on October 24 to review the first year of "SocialCrew Oratorio, Nuovi narratori digitali", a two-year project funded by Intesa Sanpaolo. It involves about 1,000 teens aged 15 to 19 in 76 oratories, with about 150 young educators, mostly in the Archdiocese of Milan, with guests from ScuolaZoo and RTL 102.5.
Archdiocese of Cuenca denounces a fake 'appointment' of a cathedral rector on social media
The Archdiocese of Cuenca said a post circulating on social networks announcing a 'new director' of its cathedral, with a photo and a supposed appointment by Cardinal Luis Gerardo Cabrera, is false and that the man pictured is not a priest of the archdiocese. It asked the faithful not to share it and to always check information through official channels.
Catholic University's media education centre turns 20 and questions phone bans
Simona Ferrari, director of Cremit at the Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, marked the centre's twentieth anniversary with a conference in Milan on October 23. She argued that school smartphone bans shift education onto families while big platforms stay almost unregulated, citing a Cisf 2026 report where 70.1 percent of Italian parents favor a ban.
Presencia en internetRed22 de octubreSeoul, South Korea
WYD Seoul registration opens with a papal video, and the pilgrim app is out
In an October 22 video message Pope Leo XIV launched registration for World Youth Day, August 3-8, 2027, in Seoul, inviting young people to bring their dreams and their wounds. Earlier in October the organizing committee released an official pilgrim app in Korean and English, with Spanish, French, Portuguese and Italian to follow, including maps of 24 locations and a pilgrimage route.
Papa y obisposSanta Sede22 de octubreRome and the Vatican
Vatican document on passing on the faith lists digital tech among signs of epochal change
The Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith published 'Venite ad Me', considerations on transmitting the faith in an epochal change, approved by Pope Leo XIV on August 21 and signed by Cardinal Víctor Manuel Fernández. It calls for the evangelization of adults and lists the spread of digital technologies and AI's effect on relationships among the signs of change; America notes a Belgian convert struck by a prayer he found on TikTok.
New CUEA chancellor calls for evangelization through education in the AI era
«in the era of social media and artificial intelligence»
Archbishop Gervas John Mwasikwabhila Nyaisonga of Mbeya, Tanzania, was installed as Chancellor of the Catholic University of Eastern Africa in Nairobi on October 22. He said the university's legacy of evangelization through education must stay as effective "in the era of social media and artificial intelligence" as it was over 40 years ago.
ComunidadConferencia episcopal22 de octubreUnited States
US bishops' first Evangelization Summit puts apostolates and dioceses at one table
«Evangelization happens at the pace of relationships, of friendship»
The USCCB's first Evangelization Summit, October 13 to 15 at Marian University in Indianapolis, brought about 100 apostolate leaders and about 100 diocesan evangelization directors together with seven bishops, with no keynotes or exhibitor tables, only Mass, prayer and five facilitated table sessions. One table summary quoted by the writers: "Evangelization happens at the pace of relationships, of friendship."
Thai Catholic school staff trained to spot online grooming and digital scams
Stella Maris of the Diocese of Chanthaburi trained 72 teachers and staff at Daracharas School on October 18 on trafficking, online grooming, digital scams ("Stop, Think, Verify"), cyberbullying and trauma-informed referrals, led by Fr. Soodjen Fonruang with speaker Apinya Tajit. An earlier session on October 3 reached about 120 private school administrators.
ReconociendoDiócesis21 de octubreYaoundé, Cameroon
Yaoundé archdiocese closes its synod with digital evangelization as priority number one
«We take the approach of evangelizing the digital and digitalizing the Gospel»
October 21, Yaoundé, Cameroon. Archbishop Mbarga prescribed six pastoral priorities with digital evangelization being the first priority. “We take the approach of evangelizing the digital and digitalizing the Gospel,” he explained, “May the social networks and technologies become spaces of truth, of meeting and fraternity.”
Presencia en internetRed21 de octubreUnited States
Latter-day Saints look back at 15 years of putting missionaries online
The Church News traced how the Latter-day Saints moved missionary work online, from 2010 Facebook and blog pilots to iPads in a few missions in 2013 and smartphones for every missionary approved in January 2020. The pilot began in 20 of about 400 missions and grew to 80 by 2015; leaders now say social media lets missionaries teach shorter, more frequent lessons by video chat.
Indonesian bishop tells young Catholics to stay in control of their phones
«Do not let communication media control us; rather, we must maintain full control over communication technology»
At the opening Mass of the Pre-Indonesia Youth Day 2026 gathering in Sorong on October 20, Bishop Hilarion Datus Lega of Manokwari-Sorong urged young Catholics to use digital media critically and responsibly. "Do not let communication media control us; rather, we must maintain full control over communication technology," he said, warning that misuse can lead to isolation and passivity.
Torreón diocese warns of WhatsApp messages asking for money in its vicar general's name
The Diocese of Torreón warned parishioners, especially at Los Ángeles parish, about WhatsApp messages using the name of Msgr. José Luis Escamilla, pastor and vicar general, to ask for a 'voluntary fee' supposedly for charity. The parish asked people not to fall for it and to call the church directly if in doubt.
CreadoresDiócesis19 de octubreDenver, United States
Denver's archbishop asks exorcist Fr. Chad Ripperger to take a year off public speaking
The Archdiocese of Denver said on October 19 that Archbishop James R. Golka asked Fr. Chad Ripperger, whose ministry spans books, appearances and social media videos, to consider a one-year fast from public speaking and interviews, and that he 'readily agreed'. The archdiocese said he remains a priest in good standing and the time will let him devote himself to the Society of the Most Sorrowful Mother.
Diocese of Itabuna closes AI-focused communicators' meeting with a missionary sending
On October 18, 2026 the Diocese of Itabuna's Pastoral da Comunicação held its second diocesan communication meeting (II ENDICOM) on humanizing communication in the age of AI, with about sixty agents from twenty-one parishes. The diocesan article says it closed with a final blessing and "envio missionário" of the communication agents; it does not say who presided.
Presencia en internetDiócesis18 de octubreTagum, Philippines
Diocese of Tagum launches its own mobile app
The Diocese of Tagum in Mindanao officially launched the Diocese of Tagum Mobile App during its Paghandum 2026 gathering. Bishop Medil Aseo led the launch with Fr. Joben Planteras, director of the diocesan social communications ministry, and pastoral director Fr. Freddie Barte. The app gives the faithful diocesan announcements, updates and events.
Tagum diocese protects a young priest who went viral for his looks
«sexualized, malicious, or degrading remarks»
After a video of Fr. Christian Soronio, 29, blessing a clothing shop in Panabo City went viral for his appearance, the Diocese of Tagum's social communications ministry said on October 17 that he does not maintain any official social media accounts and warned of fake accounts asking for donations in his name. It also asked people not to post "sexualized, malicious, or degrading remarks".
Hackers take over Ipil bishop's Facebook; diocese warns against money requests
The Diocese of Ipil warned the public about hacked social media accounts of the diocese and its clergy after hackers took over the Facebook account of Bishop Glenn Corsiga. The diocese said the account was later recovered and asked people not to answer any messages or requests for money, donations or financial transactions sent from it while compromised.
Campus minister urges Catholic school educators to learn from digital ministries
On the NCEA's blog, Ryan Dilag, campus ministry director at Bishop O'Dowd High School in Oakland, argued that Catholic schools should treat the digital continent as a mission field. He suggests meeting young people where they are, helping students become creators, and using technology to deepen relationships, citing Word on Fire, Ascension and San Gabriel Media.
Rome gathering asks how Catholics can communicate truth as trust falls in the AI age
«Communicating Truth in an Age of AI»
The Acton Institute held a 'Communicating Truth in an Age of AI' dinner conference in Rome with clergy, business leaders, journalists and scholars. EWTN's Andreas Thonhauser and John Cabot University's Jenn Lindsay led the discussion, which drew on Pope Leo XIV's encyclical Magnifica humanitas.
Asia-Pacific Augustinians gather in Vietnam to plan digital evangelization
The Asia-Pacific Augustinian Conference held its Mission Congress 2026 from October 5 to 11 in Ho Chi Minh City. Bishop emeritus Joseph Dinh Duc Dao of Xuan Loc gave a keynote on the online world and evangelization, and the Discalced Augustinians presented their digital and hybrid ministries, including Small Lamp Media.
Italian magazine looks at how Catholic creators make money from faith content
The Bunker profiled Italian Catholic creators, from 25-year-old Benedetta Palella (over 150,000 TikTok followers) to priests like Fr. Roberto Fiscer and Fr. Cosimo Schena, and a 20-year-old selling Jesus-themed T-shirts. It recalls that Alberto Ravagnani left the priesthood earlier this year after a supplements sponsorship, and quotes journalist Elisa Belotti doubting anyone can stay fully 'pure' on platforms built as they are.
FormandoConsejo continental14 de octubreAbidjan, Ivory Coast
West Africa's bishops hold first regional training for Church communicators
«Uniting our voices, strengthening our tools»
The Regional Episcopal Conference of West Africa (RECOWA/CERAO) held its first regional communications workshop on October 13 to 15 in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, on the theme 'Uniting our voices, strengthening our tools.' Organizers noted the region spans nine French-speaking, five English-speaking and two Portuguese-speaking countries, with about 160 dioceses and some 51 million Catholics.
Loyola Chicago's Jesuits post weekly faith videos, and one warns about platform metrics
The Loyola Phoenix profiled Jesuits at Loyola University Chicago who post short faith videos, including chaplain Fr. Michael Rossmann, S.J., whose 'One-Minute Jesuit' series reaches over 13,800 Instagram followers. Noah Banasiewicz, S.J., who researches religion and communication, cautioned: 'We've really adopted the measurements of success of the platform as our own.'
Huelva diocese runs a hands-on workshop for digital evangelizers
«with creativity, rigor and closeness»
The Diocese of Huelva's Delegation for Digital Evangelization held a training workshop on October 17 at the diocesan seminary for pastoral agents, catechists and communicators. It covered tools and strategies for communicating the faith 'with creativity, rigor and closeness' on social networks and websites, open to both beginners and people already running parish accounts.
Pauline Sisters in Kenya use TikTok to reach young women discerning a vocation
Marking 50 years in Kenya, the Daughters of St. Paul use TikTok, Facebook and X to reach young people about religious life, said Sr. Cecilia Musole, superior of the Nairobi community. She said the response has been good but that online contacts have to be followed by personal accompaniment, parish visits and come-and-see days.
Monterrey's archbishop closes Follow Festival: digital mission 'is not measured in likes'
The Archdiocese of Monterrey's Pastoral Digital held the seventh Follow Festival on October 11, 2026 at Colegio Chepevera, closing with a Mass celebrated by Archbishop Rogelio Cabrera López. Red Católica reports 460 digital missionaries attended, while El Observador reports more than 1,500 attendees; the archbishop said digital mission is not measured in likes or applause.
Papa y obisposSanta Sede8 de octubreRome and the Vatican
At the Vatican family summit, a cardinal tells how one parish helped a phone-bound family
«glued to their phones»
At the October 7-14 Vatican meeting marking ten years of Amoris laetitia, with more than 150 bishops and patriarchs, Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrão of Goa described a family whose children were 'glued to their phones'. Their parish priest listened rather than offering ready solutions, and the family began with a weekly phone-free evening, one shared meal a day and a few minutes of prayer; the priest then formed a parish family commission. Professor Vincenzo Rosito told the bishops digital technologies are transforming families' daily habits.
ComunidadRed7 de octubreEn internet y en todo el mundo
AMEN Digital announces its third online congress on faith in the digital environment
«Libres en la Era Digital»
Fundación AMEN Digital will hold the third Congreso Católico Internacional sobre el Ambiente Digital online on November 21 and 22, 2026, under the theme 'Libres en la Era Digital', with Magnifica humanitas as its reference document. Announced speakers include Msgr. Lucio Adrián Ruiz, Mercedes Llamas, José Manuel de Urquidi, Jorge Alberto Hidalgo, Dr. Ana Vayá, Fr. Samuel Velásquez and Fr. Tomás Beroch. Admission is free for priests, religious and people under 28.
Two American Instagram creators announce their families' entry into the Catholic Church
Spain's El Confidencial Digital reports that Walt Copeland (about 143,000 Instagram followers) and Kelly Ingram (over 626,000) announced on social media that they and their families moved from Protestantism to the Catholic Church. Copeland's three children were baptized and his marriage convalidated after his son asked to be baptized Catholic; Ingram wrote that their search for truth led them to the Church.
FormandoConferencia episcopal5 de octubreRome and the Vatican
Italian bishops run five free webinars on AI for Church communicators through October
The Italian bishops' national office for social communications, with the CEI's IT service, is running 'CambIAmenti', five online webinars from October 5 to 28 on guarding the human in the age of AI. Sessions cover algorithms, Magnifica humanitas and peace, ethical discernment, law and the digital sphere, and a closing talk by Don Luca Peyron on a synodal Church in digital worlds.
Mexican archdioceses warn of fake priests collecting money and unauthorized ordinations
ZENIT reports that the Archdiocese of Tuxtla Gutiérrez warned of people posing as priests or Church representatives to collect money, including a man in Villaflores using a bank card terminal for 'donations', and that parishes used their social media accounts to warn the faithful. The Archdiocese of Acapulco issued a notice on September 25 that a planned 'ordination' of one priest and two deacons was organized by a group that is not Catholic.
FormandoConsejo continental5 de octubreBogotá, Colombia
CELAM's Cebitepal opens online courses on AI in ministry and on digital mission
«Artificial Intelligence and Pastoral Work»
CELAM's theological centre Cebitepal is running a fully virtual course, "Artificial Intelligence and Pastoral Work," from October 7 to November 25 for catechists, pastoral agents, seminarians and lay people, with no technical background needed. Participants design an AI pastoral proposal for their own context. Cebitepal also announced an introductory course on digital mission.
Presencia en internetDiócesis5 de octubreKansas City, United States
Kansas City-St. Joseph bishop launches a biweekly podcast with local Catholics
«On the Way with Bishop Johnston»
The Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph launched 'On the Way with Bishop Johnston' on October 5, hosted by Bishop James Johnston. Episodes come out every other week and feature conversations with local pastors, leaders, families and builders. It is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, YouTube and other services.
Infovaticana opinion piece attacks 'digital missionaries' as influencers for hire
An anonymous op-ed in the Spanish site Infovaticana argued that Catholic influencers rebranded as digital missionaries mostly speak to the already baptized, offer thin content, and are paid to tour events such as Hechos 29 in Costa Rica. It reflects a strand of criticism circulating in Spanish-speaking Catholic media.
Cebu media congress told: behind every photo and story is a person
At the 2nd Cebu Metropolitan Catholic Mass Media Congress on October 3, Archbishop Rex Andrew Alarcon, who chairs the Philippine bishops' social communications commission, told communicators that Catholic communication is about human dignity, not just information. He urged them to be responsible and faithful rather than only creative and fast, given AI's ability to fabricate realistic content.
AcompañandoDiócesis1 de octubrePhiladelphia, United States
Philadelphia archdiocese's Digital Missionary Hub tells local stories online
«The digital world is often the front door»
Archdiocese of Philadelphia on October 1. The Digital Missionary Hub is part of Archbishop Nelson Pérez’s Trust and Hope Initiative and focuses on local ministry stories. The Hub’s Director, but most importantly my friend, John Cardone, explained that, “The digital world is often the front door,” and that the goal is to help individuals engage in a relationship with Jesus and His church. (CatholicPhilly)
I love the emphasis on the adoration chapel and other physical presences. We are on Christ’s mission online, but our goal is always making disciples of every nation, so that means walking with them towards the Church! (Of course it’s never walking a straight line and the journey home can be hundreds or even thousands of steps.)
Vietnam's 'IT Apostles' build apps and websites for dioceses and parishes
About two dozen young Vietnamese Catholic developers, supported by Phu Cuong diocese's communications office, build websites, management systems and apps for Church ministries, including a catechist handbook app and Catholic audiobooks, under an ecosystem called C-mate. They take inspiration from Blessed Carlo Acutis.
Papa y obisposSanta Sede29 de septiembreRome and the Vatican
Vatican sets 2027 communications day theme: paying attention in the age of clickbait
«A New Gaze: Paying Attention in the Age of Clickbait»
On September 29, the feast of St. Gabriel, the Dicastery for Communication announced the theme for the 61st World Day of Social Communications: "A New Gaze: Paying Attention in the Age of Clickbait." The day falls on May 9, 2027 in most countries, and Pope Leo XIV's full message is due January 24.
OSV News published a feature on Evangelization Lab, describing its work training dioceses to connect digital outreach with local parishes and sacramental preparation. It quotes digital missionary Katie Ruvalcaba and cites the Diocese of Columbus averaging 55 couples a month in marriage preparation after improving its digital engagement.
Papa y obisposDiócesis28 de septiembreAbuja, Nigeria
Abuja auxiliary bishop: don't let digital noise replace silent prayer
«Christian Faith and the Evolving Communication Technology»
At the Archdiocese of Abuja's seventh annual general assembly, themed 'Christian Faith and the Evolving Communication Technology', Auxiliary Bishop Anselm Umoren called cyberspace 'a new mission territory' but warned that people may have thousands of followers 'but very few people who actually know them deeply'. He valued livestreamed Masses for the sick and homebound while saying they cannot replace gathering for the Eucharist, and urged the Church to teach young people to use phones responsibly and for evangelization rather than only telling them to put phones away.
Presencia en internetParroquia28 de septiembreBangkok, Thailand
Bangkok parishes move Masses online as floods cut access to churches
Heavy rain flooded Bangkok, and parishes including Assumption Cathedral and Holy Redeemer Church live-streamed Masses as reaching churches became hazardous, with the Sunday obligation temporarily dispensed. Parish volunteers and lay groups also delivered meals and helped vulnerable residents.
EnviandoRed26 de septiembreAlfândega da Fé, Portugal
Portugal's new digital missionary network holds its first national gathering
«Bênção e envio, com os telemóveis acesos a rezar pela paz»
Portuguese National Network of Digital Missionaries on September 26, at Alfândega da Fé (Diocese of Bragança-Miranda). The new Portuguese National Network of Digital Missionaries held its first national meeting which ended with the blessing and sending of missionaries. “Bênção e envio, com os telemóveis acesos a rezar pela paz” (blessing and sending, with cell phones lit up praying for peace). Agência Ecclesia
Évora archdiocese to host Portugal's second digital missionaries gathering in 2028
At the close of the first national gathering of digital missionaries in Alfândega da Fé on September 26, 2026, it was announced that the Archdiocese of Évora will organize the second edition in 2028. The release did not yet give a date, venue or program.
Conversiones y cifrasSanta Sede26 de septiembreParis, France
Pope meets French catechumens; many young converts say they learned the faith online
Pope Leo XIV met catechumens and newly baptized Catholics at the Institut Catholique de Paris on September 26 and asked that they be accompanied and fully integrated into communities after Baptism. America reports that many young converts told a French bishops' survey they used the internet to learn about the faith, and one catechumen said he turned online first because he feared he would not be accepted in person.
FormandoRed25 de septiembreEn internet y en todo el mundo
109 young Africans graduate from a Catholic digital faith influencer program
«Digital evangelization must lead to social transformation, or it is only noise»
PACTPAN, September 25. The second cohort of 109 graduates from 21 countries in Africa concluded PACTPAN’s digital faith formation program. In his keynote address, Prof. Gideon Maina said, “Digital evangelization must lead to social transformation, or it is only noise.” Maina added that, “Remember that you are not a brand. You are an envoy.” (ACI Africa)
ReconociendoConferencia episcopal25 de septiembreVenezuela
Venezuela's bishops hold first national assembly of digital missionaries
«Debemos preguntarnos qué hubiera hecho Jesús con estas plataformas»
September 18-20. Venezuela. The country’s first convention of Digital Missionaries was held. A delegate for digital pastoral work was named for each diocese. Bishop Rojas, who chairs the bishops’ communications commission, said, “Debemos preguntarnos qué hubiera hecho Jesús con estas plataformas” (we must ask ourselves what Jesus would have done with these platforms). CEV, Opening. CEV, Closing.
First Sheen Awards honor Mother Angelica, Hallow and creator Paul J. Kim
The Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen Foundation held its first Sheen Awards in Peoria on September 25, giving a posthumous lifetime achievement award to Mother Angelica. Other winners included Katie McGrady for radio and podcast, Jonathan Roumie for television, Bishop Robert Barron for evangelization, Hallow for innovation and Paul J. Kim as digital creator.
Indonesian Catholic communicators urged to put ethics before virality
A Komsos and SIGNIS regional meeting for Sumatra in Pematangsiantar on September 22 to 24 asked Catholic communicators to replace the question of how to go viral with whether content is true, good, beautiful and builds up the person. The program also covered AI, privacy and family life online, and storytelling as ethical evangelization.
Papa y obisposSanta Sede25 de septiembreParis, France
At the Stade de France vigil, Pope Leo names screen fatigue among youth burdens
Speaking to about 80,000 young people at the Stade de France on September 25, Pope Leo XIV listed screen fatigue alongside anxiety about climate and the international situation as weights on their generation. He also pointed to silence, far from the clamor of the media, as part of growing in holiness.
French creator 'le Catho de Service' brings his 162,000 followers to the papal vigil
Victor Dubois-Moreno, a French Catholic creator known online as le Catho de Service with about 162,000 Instagram followers, told Adnkronos he was at the Stade de France to hear Pope Leo XIV. He said his faith became firm around nineteen and that he began by talking about religion with classmates before moving to social media, asking why people online talk about film and dance but not Jesus.
French Catholic influencers credited as adult baptisms keep climbing
France 24 profiled French Catholic creators such as Dominican Brother Paul-Adrien (about 678k YouTube subscribers) and Sister Albertine of Chemin Neuf on the eve of Pope Leo XIV's visit to Paris. The report says adult and teen baptisms rose from under 6,000 in 2022 to over 21,000 in 2026, and that one in five adults baptized in 2025 said influencers played a part. Tens of thousands of free places for the Stade de France youth vigil were claimed within an hour.
Venice Salesians present 'AI Angels', volunteers to help parishes use AI wisely
The Salesians of Venice, through the university radio Cube Radio at IUSVE, presented AI Angels, volunteers who help people and communities use artificial intelligence critically, at an event organized with Avvenire in St. Mark's Square on September 22. Don Lorenzo Teston said the aim is to inform, form and protect so no one faces this technology alone.
Papa y obisposSanta Sede22 de septiembreRome and the Vatican
Vatican congress on school and university ministry puts 'the digital human' on the agenda
The Dicastery for Culture and Education will hold an international congress on school and university pastoral ministry on October 22 and 23 in the Paul VI Hall, built around three challenges: interior life, digitalization and peacebuilding. A session titled 'Lo digital humano' will be moderated by Msgr. Paul Tighe, with speakers including Cardinal Timothy Radcliffe and Fr. Paolo Benanti.
Presencia en internetRed19 de septiembreSeoul, South Korea
WYD Seoul 2027 shows delegates its online registration and pilgrim app
More than 400 participants, including delegates from 100 countries, met in Seoul in mid-September to prepare World Youth Day 2027. Organizers presented an online registration system and a dedicated pilgrim app, with international registration due to open in late October 2026. Archbishop Peter Soon-taick Chung told delegates they were not simply gathering participants but inviting young people to encounter the Lord.
Italian digital missionaries hold first national gathering in Rome
«Una testimonianza di saper vivere da cristiani nel mondo»
The Church Listens to You (La Chiesa ti ascolta), Italian section, September 5-6, Rome. The first gathering of Italian digital missionaries, called "Follow unfollow", was held with Msgr. Lucio Adrián Ruiz. They set up working groups and started writing a decalogue of styles for evangelizing and communicating online, and all of it started from a WhatsApp group of 122 people. Pietro Calore, who was there, wrote it was "Una testimonianza di saper vivere da cristiani nel mondo" (a witness of knowing how to live as Christians in the world). UCCR
Full disclosure, The Church Listens to You is something Msgr. Ruiz and I started, so of course this one makes me happy, and since I'm writing from Rome it felt right to end here.
Nigeria's Salesian provincial urges young people to create faith content
At the national congress of the Salesian Youth Movement in Abuja, Fr. Peter Chinweike Morba, provincial of the Salesians in Nigeria-Niger, encouraged young people to get involved in content creation that promotes faith and good morals and counters harmful messages online.
ComunidadDiócesis17 de septiembreBucaramanga, Colombia
Bucaramanga archdiocese prepares its second digital missionaries meeting for October 4
The Archdiocese of Bucaramanga announced its second meeting of digital missionaries for October 4, centered on the spirituality of the digital missionary, with prayer, reflection and workshops on mobile photo and video. Bishop Dimas Antonio Acuña Jiménez of the bishops' communications commission is the special guest.
Papa y obisposSanta Sede16 de septiembreRome and the Vatican
Leo XIV: relationships grow 'more virtual' and we risk delegating conscience to algorithms
In his September 16 general audience on Gaudium et spes, Pope Leo XIV said media, social media and AI open new possibilities and bridge distances. He warned that relationships are becoming less personal and more virtual, with a risk of delegating to algorithms decisions that belong to human conscience.
Campeche diocese warns of fake profiles asking for money in the bishop's name
The Diocese of Campeche warned that fake social media profiles and phone numbers impersonating Bishop José Alberto González Juárez and the vicar general were asking the faithful for money and banking details. The diocese asked people not to transfer funds, to report the messages, and asked parishes to spread the warning. In Brazil, a separate AI-generated video of a fake priest asking for donations circulated earlier in September.
World Youth Day Seoul recruits Asian digital missionaries to widen its reach
At the Asian Catholic Digital Missionary Assembly in Manila, the Archdiocese of Seoul and the FABC asked digital missionaries to help carry WYD 2027 to young people who will not attend in person. Radio Veritas Asia plans to bring 40 digital influencers to document the event, with online meetings starting in early 2027. Organizers said a live stream can broadcast a Mass but cannot sit with a struggling teenager late at night.
Conversiones y cifrasRed15 de septiembreUnited States
Barna-Gloo: a third of US young adults attend church more often; prayer is top reason
A Barna and Gloo survey of 3,049 Americans aged 18 to 35 (fielded in October 2025) found 34% attend church more often than a year earlier, 21% less often. Prayer was the top spiritual reason for attending, cited by 45%. This is a general Christian sample, not Catholic-specific.
EnviandoConsejo continental14 de septiembreQuezon City, Philippines
First Asian digital missionary assembly: from influencers to witnesses
«Social media is an appetizer; Eucharist is the destination.»
Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences, Office of Social Communication on September 13 in Quezon City. Over 100 communicators from across Asia attended the first Asian Catholic Digital Missionary Assembly and were commissioned as Digital Missionaries at a closing Mass presided by Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David at the Good Shepherd Cathedral. The cardinal said “Go there as missionaries,” and Bishop Junie Maralit gave them what is for me the line of the year: “Social media is an appetizer; Eucharist is the destination.” Radio Veritas Asia / Sunday Examiner / Vatican News
Huelva diocese convenes its digital missionaries, admins and app developers
The Diocese of Huelva's Delegation for Digital Evangelization announced its first meeting of digital evangelizers for Sept. 27, at the opening of the pastoral year. It brings together online missionaries, the people who run social accounts for parishes and associations, and the developers behind diocesan apps and websites. Topics include audiovisual content, online spiritual accompaniment and new tools.
ComunidadDiócesis14 de septiembreGuadalajara, Mexico
Guadalajara holds its 21st meeting of parish communicators
The Archdiocese of Guadalajara's communication office held its twenty-first meeting of parish communicators on September 12, mixing reflection on digital culture with training on checking sources and producing video for social media. Auxiliary Bishop Héctor López gave recognition insignia to parish communicators.
FormandoConsejo continental10 de septiembreAccra, Ghana
First West African Youth Day told: make disciples, not followers
At the first West African Youth Day in Accra, organized by RECOWA with youth from 16 countries on September 7 to 11, Fr. Anthony Amponsah Afriyie challenged young Catholics to use social media to witness rather than chase metrics, asking whether Jesus told us to make disciples or only followers.
Papa y obisposDiócesis8 de septiembreMexico City, Mexico
Mexico City archdiocese: banning phones in schools is not enough
An editorial in Desde la Fe, the Archdiocese of Mexico's weekly, said it would be a mistake to think banning phones in schools will by itself solve the problem, and asked parents to look at their own phone habits first. It noted that about 60% of Mexico's states already regulate student device use in school hours.
AtenciónRed31 de agostoEn internet y en todo el mundo
AI-generated religious teachers draw millions of followers, often undisclosed
America reported on AI-generated spiritual figures across faiths, including a Buddhist monk character with over 2.5 million Instagram followers and a fake Orthodox rabbi account that spread antisemitic stereotypes before removal. It recalled the Catholic 'Father Justin' AI character that initially offered absolution. Religious teachers quoted said AI may help with information but cannot transmit spirituality.
'Hechos 29' brings about 100 digital missionaries from 20 countries to Costa Rica
The Hechos 29 international gathering of digital missionaries met in San José, Costa Rica, on August 18 to 23, backed by the Archdiocese of San José, the Costa Rican bishops, CELAM and the Dicastery for Communication, with a public festival of digital mission on August 22. Participants spent a day offline visiting local communities, and Msgr. Lucio Ruiz urged them to keep announcing the Gospel on the networks and beyond them.
Papa y obisposConferencia episcopal28 de agostoSacramento, United States
California bishops back limits on addictive social media for under-16s
The California Catholic Conference supported AB 1709, which restricts addictive social media features for users under 16, as it headed to a state Senate vote. The push came days after Meta agreed to a multistate settlement reported at up to $17.1 billion over youth safety, with age verification and time limits for minors. The bishops cited research showing harm to young children.
Conversiones y cifrasRed25 de agostoLondon, United Kingdom
UK study: for young people, the screen is a gateway, not a destination
Research by Scripture Union and Liverpool Hope University surveyed 155 young people aged 8 to 16 and 120 youth leaders on faith online and in person. About 45 percent preferred combining online and face-to-face Bible engagement, while 58 percent would ask questions about God in person and 68 percent preferred to pray in person. The report is titled Exploring Hybrid Mission among Young People.
ReconociendoDiócesis19 de agostoRio de Janeiro, Brazil
Rio de Janeiro creates a formal pastoral ministry for digital missionaries
«habitar o continente digital com espírito missionário»
August 14, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Cardinal Orani Tempesta signed a decree to create a Pastoral of Digital Missionaries (Pamidi) to “habitar o continente digital com espírito missionário” (dwell in the digital continent with a missionary spirit). One of the pillars, says Deacon Varela, is “a integração desses evangelizadores à vida da Igreja” (bringing these evangelizers into the life of the Church). ACI Digital
La Serena priests devote their formation week to AI and evangelization
Priests of the Archdiocese of La Serena spent their continuing formation week, August 4 to 7, on the challenges and opportunities of AI for the Church's mission, drawing on Magnifica humanitas, and closed with a pilgrimage to Andacollo.
African Church leaders want digital mission taught from minor seminary on
At the SIGNIS World Congress in Kigali, Church leaders called for systematic formation of digital missionaries in seminaries, religious institutes and catechist programs, starting in minor seminaries. Archbishop Fortunatus Nwachukwu said the nations now include the nations in TikTok, Instagram and YouTube. Cardinal Antoine Kambanda said young people are enthusiastic about media but need accompaniment.
Pope's message to SIGNIS in Kigali: digital media for dignity and truth
«We must never allow algorithms to write our story»
Pope Leo XIV sent a message to the SIGNIS World Congress in Kigali, Rwanda, held Aug. 3 to 8 with 20 African nations represented. He asked communicators to use digital platforms to promote the common good, human dignity, truth and care for creation. Paolo Ruffini, prefect of the Dicastery for Communication, warned: 'We must never allow algorithms to write our story.'
Leo XIV to young people: use social media and AI with moderation and discipline
In a video message to a Christian youth festival in Brazil, Pope Leo XIV urged young people to use social media and AI with moderation and discipline. He warned that these tools can draw people into an unreal world where appearances and deception replace true values. The message came two months after his encyclical on AI, Magnifica humanitas.
ReconociendoConsejo continental26 de julioNairobi, Kenya
Eastern African bishops make forming digital missionaries a pastoral priority
«We love you, we believe in you»
July 26, Nairobi, Eastern Africa (AMECEA). More than 100 bishops from the AMECEA countries closed their 21st plenary with ten pastoral priorities centered on young people, and one of them, as ACI Africa reports it, is "forming Catholic digital missionaries for evangelization in the digital age". In their communiqué they told young people "We love you, we believe in you, and we invite you to participate fully in the life and mission of the Church". ACI Africa
It's from July, I know, but a whole region of bishops writing digital missionaries into their pastoral priorities had to be here. If you are a Catholic creator in Eastern Africa, go knock on your diocese door, your bishops said it themselves!
About 1,500 parish communicators fill Aparecida for Brazil's biggest Church media meeting
The CNBB's Pastoral da Comunicação held its ninth national meeting at the National Shrine of Aparecida on July 24 to 26, with about 1,500 communication agents from all of Brazil's regions, around 90% of them young. Speakers included Dicastery prefect Paolo Ruffini and influencer priest Fr. Josileudo Queiroz; organizers called it the largest communication event in the history of the Church in Brazil.
ComunidadConferencia episcopal24 de julioSanta Fe, Argentina
Argentina holds its fourth national meeting of digital evangelizers in Santa Fe
«un influencer puede ser católico, pero no necesariamente comunica cosas de fe»
Argentine Episcopal Conference, Social Communication Commission’s 4th national meeting, July 24-26, in Santa Fe. The national meetings of digital evangelizers went from 27 people in 2023 to about 250 in 2025 and since December 2025 the conference has a Digital Mission secretariat, led by another friend, Fr. Pablo Savoia. He states that the function of a missionary is to create a more accessible digital bridge, and “un influencer puede ser católico, pero no necesariamente comunica cosas de fe” (an influencer can be Catholic, but not necessarily communicate things of faith). Acción / Vida Nueva
Brazil youth survey: faith is top online search, Church edges influencers
A CNBB youth commission survey of 11,498 young Brazilians found religion and spirituality were the subjects they most searched for online, ahead of entertainment and politics. As a source of information, the Church ranked third at 13.5 percent, just ahead of influencers and YouTubers at 12.4 percent. Respondents also said they want formation and liturgy and to keep faith free from politics.
Portugal launches a national network of digital missionaries
A foundation in Alfândega da Fé launched a National Network of Digital Missionaries to connect dioceses, parishes, movements and individual creators sharing the Gospel online. Its founding charter says the Church must be where people live, seek, suffer, love and hope. The first national meeting was set for Sept. 26, with priest-DJ Guilherme Peixoto performing.
Papa y obisposSanta Sede30 de junioRome and the Vatican
Msgr. Lucio Ruiz, champion of digital missionaries, moves to Vatican charity office
Pope Leo XIV named Msgr. Lucio Adrián Ruiz, secretary of the Dicastery for Communication since 2015, as secretary of the Dicastery for the Service of Charity from Sept. 1. Ruiz organized the 2025 Jubilee of Digital Missionaries and Catholic Influencers and helped build creator networks in Latin America and beyond. He has continued to accompany digital missionary groups, including in Italy in September.
Conversiones y cifrasDiócesis28 de junioChicago, United States
Two-thirds of 2026 US converts met meaningful Catholic content online
A survey of 2,127 adults who entered the Church through OCIA in 2026 across 20 dioceses, led by the Archdiocese of Chicago, found about 66 percent encountered meaningful online content along the way. The most cited sources were Hallow (15 percent), Ascension Presents and Fr. Mike Schmitz (14 percent), the Bible in a Year podcast (8 percent) and Word on Fire (6 percent). Spiritual growth and the liturgy were the top reasons for joining.
Spanish influencer priest Damián María Montes leaves the priesthood
Redemptorist Damián María Montes, known in Spain since competing on La Voz in 2015 and active on social media, announced he is permanently leaving priestly ministry after almost three years of inner struggle. He said there were weighty reasons he would keep private and that he plans to work in education and culture. His departure follows that of Italian influencer priest Alberto Ravagnani earlier in 2026.
Papa y obisposConferencia episcopal23 de junioLondon, United Kingdom
UK bishops cautious on planned social media ban for under-16s
After the UK government announced on June 15 a plan to ban social media for under-16s, the bishops of England and Wales said it was hard to give a yes or no answer before details are published. Bishop John Arnold called child safety online paramount and a shared responsibility of parents, schools, government and society. The Scottish bishops said they support any measures that increase online safety for children.
Franciscan friars' 'Storytellers' campaign wins Catholic Media Association award
Fanny Gomez-Diaz, social media manager for the Franciscan Friars Province of Our Lady of Guadalupe, received the 2026 Fr. John Catoir award for evangelization through social media. Her 'Storytellers' campaign invites younger friars to make short reels about their lives and ministry; the account's Instagram followers nearly tripled between May 2025 and March 2026.
ComunidadConsejo continental18 de junioBogotá, Colombia
CELAM gathers its media and digital missionary networks in Bogotá
CELAM hosted a continental meeting in Bogotá on June 16 to 18 of the Church's communication networks, including the Conectados network of digital missionaries, Catholic radio and audiovisual alliances. The goal was a network of networks with draft statutes and a shared strategic plan. CELAM secretary general Lizardo Estrada spoke of communication with prophetic impact and synodal inspiration.
Tamil Nadu diocesan communicators train on AI and digital ministry
Diocesan communication secretaries from across Tamil Nadu met in Chennai on June 16 and 17 for training on digital ministry and AI-driven communication. Sessions covered Magnifica humanitas, the World Communications Day theme on human voices and faces, and practical camera and lighting skills. New Indian bishops' guidelines on social media and the Catholic Connect platform were also presented.
IA+misiónDiócesis11 de junioDetroit, United States
Detroit archdiocese and Magisterium AI host conference on ministry in an AI era
The Archdiocese of Detroit and Magisterium AI (built by Longbeard) held a Ministry in an AI Era conference at Sacred Heart Major Seminary on June 11. Speakers from Longbeard, Microsoft and Nous Research discussed Magnifica humanitas, with one calling it an anthropological document rather than a document on AI. Speakers stressed that human dignity, not productivity, is the starting point.
FormandoConferencia episcopal3 de junioCusco, Peru
Peru gathers communicators from all 46 jurisdictions in Cusco for digital evangelization
«La misión en el entorno digital forma parte del proceso de conversión pastoral»
Peruvian Episcopal Conference, May 29-31, in Cusco. More than 120 communicators from the 46 ecclesiastical jurisdictions of Peru met for their national meeting, with Msgr. Lucio Ruiz, then Secretary of the Dicastery for Communication, giving three talks. Bishop Carlos García Camader, president of the conference, told them in a video "Los animo a no perder su propia voz en un ecosistema donde proliferan los contenidos anónimos generados por máquinas y sin autoría ni amor" (I encourage you not to lose your own voice in an ecosystem where anonymous content generated by machines, without authorship or love, proliferates) and Msgr. Ruiz said "La misión en el entorno digital forma parte del proceso de conversión pastoral al que el Espíritu Santo está llamando hoy a la Iglesia" (the mission in the digital environment is part of the process of pastoral conversion the Holy Spirit is calling the Church to today). Conferencia Episcopal Peruana
Papa y obisposSanta Sede2 de junioRome and the Vatican
EWTN News chief Montse Alvarado named prefect of Vatican communications
Pope Leo XIV appointed María Montserrat Alvarado, president and COO of EWTN News, as prefect of the Dicastery for Communication, succeeding Paolo Ruffini from Nov. 1. Born in Mexico City and a former Becket Fund leader, she is the first non-religious woman to lead a dicastery of the Holy See. She said she accepts with a sincere desire to serve the Holy Father.
FormandoConferencia episcopal30 de mayoAbuja, Nigeria
Nigerian Church launches SHINE to train young digital missionaries
«Sharing Hope in the New Evangelization»
The Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria unveiled 'Sharing Hope in the New Evangelization' (SHINE), starting with about 100 National Youth Service Corps members. Training covers new evangelization, media literacy and ethical use of technology, and participants are meant to carry it back to dioceses across the country.
Sydney's evangelisation chief maps a parish digital journey after the encyclical
Writing in The Catholic Weekly, Daniel Ang of the Sydney Centre for Evangelisation applied Magnifica humanitas to parish communication. He proposes moving people from awareness to engagement, formation, participation and witness, and insists parish life must match what a parish promises online.
Forbes profiles Longbeard, maker of Magisterium AI, as it seeks new funding
Forbes reported that Longbeard, the company behind Magisterium AI, has raised $3 million and is seeking a Series A, and that its tool has reached users in 190 countries, with Hallow among its customers. Founder Matthew Harvey Sanders plans a proprietary Catholic model called Ephrem for 2027.
Quito archdiocese trains priests and staff to use AI for pastoral work
«Artificial Intelligence for Pastoral Mission»
The Archdiocese of Quito held an 'Artificial Intelligence for Pastoral Mission' workshop on May 20 and 21 for 23 clergy and curia staff, with a second session planned for May 27 and 28. It covered AI for communication, pastoral planning and parish resources, and one priest said no algorithm replaces pastoral closeness or the grace of the sacraments.
Dumaguete diocese regathers its communicators for digital evangelization
Catholic communicators in the Diocese of Dumaguete held their first major gathering since the pandemic to renew digital evangelization, ahead of World Communications Day. Fr. Ramonito Maata, who chairs the diocesan social communications commission, said their core function remains to evangelize and encouraged parishes to strengthen their social media ministries.
Spanish bishops devote a campaign week to digital missionaries
«a digital missionary is not merely a content creator»
The Spanish Episcopal Conference's 'La Iglesia en 12 semanas 2026' campaign gave its fifth week to digital missionaries, featuring Bishop José Ignacio Munilla and communicator Carla Restoy. The conference stressed that "a digital missionary is not merely a content creator" but above all a witness.
Colombia's bishops open a school for digital missionaries with 500+ enrolled
«No se mide en seguidores, sino en comunión, en encuentro…»
Colombian Episcopal Conference on May 2. More than 500 participants joined the opening of the first School of Digital Missionaries, with seven monthly sessions through October. “No se mide en seguidores, sino en comunión, en encuentro…” (It is not measured in followers, but in communion, in encounter) said Msgr. Ruiz at the opening. Fr. Serrano said very clearly that “la misión no depende del algoritmo, sino de la oración” (the mission does not depend on the algorithm, but on prayer). Vida Nueva / ACI Prensa
Deepfakes of Pope Leo, Bishop Barron and Fr Mike Schmitz keep spreading
OSV News reported on AI-generated videos impersonating Pope Leo XIV, Bishop Robert Barron, Cardinal Marc Ouellet, Fr Mike Schmitz and others. Experts advised the faithful to rely on verified official channels and urged Church institutions to verify accounts and keep consistent official feeds for quick responses.
Commonweal asks what Catholic chatbots do to catechesis
A Commonweal feature examined Catholic AI tools including Truthly, Justin (formerly 'Fr. Justin'), sAInts Chat and Magisterium AI. Critics quoted, including Fr Gregory Pine, argued that outsourcing synthesis can weaken formation and that faith is handed on by persons, not probabilities.
Young US converts say Catholic YouTube brought them to the door
Religion News Service reported that more than 80% of over 140 US dioceses saw an average 38% rise in adults entering the Church (data compiled by Hallow), with Los Angeles up 139%. Young adults named creators such as Trent Horn, Shameless Popery, Ascension Presents and Bishop Robert Barron as early influences. Georgetown's CARA cautioned it is not yet clear this is a broad revival.
Mexican prayer app built with AI reportedly earns over $300,000 a year
Expansión profiled Prayer Lock, an app by 24-year-old Mexican entrepreneur Mauricio Barón that blocks phone use until the user prays, built in three days with AI tools. The outlet reported annual revenue above $300,000, with no free trial and subscriptions up to $9.99 a week, and a strategy of paying faith creators to promote it.
The Bible in a Year podcast passes 1 billion downloads
Ascension announced that The Bible in a Year with Fr Mike Schmitz and Jeff Cavins has passed 1 billion downloads since launching in 2021, with nearly 500,000 daily listeners according to the publisher. Ascension says listeners have credited the podcast with bringing them into OCIA.
Conversiones y cifrasRed26 de marzoLondon, United Kingdom
Bible Society says its 'Quiet Revival' report rested on a faulty YouGov survey
The Bible Society said its widely cited 2025 'Quiet Revival' report, based on a 2024 YouGov survey that claimed sharp growth in young churchgoers in England and Wales, can no longer be regarded as reliable. YouGov said its quality checks had not been working during the survey and its CEO accepted full responsibility. The Bible Society plans a new YouGov survey and further probability-based surveys, with results expected in autumn 2026.
Conversiones y cifrasConferencia episcopal25 de marzoFrance
France: 21,386 adult and teen baptisms at Easter, 11% credit influencers
The French bishops' conference reported 13,234 adults and 8,152 teenagers to be baptized at Easter 2026, a new record, with 82% of adults aged 18 to 40. In its survey of catechumens, 11% said social media influencers played a role, which the bishops called relatively modest next to life trials (40%) and spiritual experiences (32%).
Four pontifical universities ask how to form digital missionaries
«The goal is not simply to be present there, but to go where people are»
Four pontifical universities with the Dicastery for Communication on March 17, Rome. Almost 200 people attended a conference on the formation of digital missionaries organized by the Holy Cross, Lateran, Gregorian and Salesian universities. Msgr. Ruiz, then Secretary of the Dicastery for Communication said: “The goal is not simply to be present there, but to go where people are.” Vatican News
Austria's Catholic influencers meet for the first national 'Digital Church' gathering
«Die Menschen sind interessiert, was wir glauben»
Austrian Pastoral Institute on February, Linz. Around thirty Catholic influencers from every Austrian state, met to pray for the first time in the cathedral of Linz. Sr. Ida Vorel said “Die Menschen sind interessiert, was wir glauben” (people are interested in what we believe). And Fr. Manuel Sandesh: “Für guten Content gehören Demut und innere Freiheit dazu” (good content takes humility and inner freedom). Diözese Gurk-Klagenfurt
Conversiones y cifrasDiócesis25 de febreroSydney, Australia
Sydney and Melbourne see sharp rises in adults seeking to become Catholic
Melbourne reported about 550 catechumens and candidates, up 57% on 2025, and Sydney nearly 460, up 20%, with Archbishop Anthony Fisher noting six straight years of growth in Sydney. Daniel Ang of the Sydney Centre for Evangelisation called the numbers "quietly extraordinary" and a sign of real spiritual hunger.
Conversiones y cifrasDiócesis23 de febreroLondon, United Kingdom
Westminster reports highest number of adults joining at Easter since 2011
«by no special initiative on our part»
The Tablet reported about 800 adults preparing to enter the Church in Westminster, up 60% on the previous year, with Southwark at 590 (a 26-year high), Birmingham up 52% and Shrewsbury up 71%. In Southwark half of those entering are 35 or under. Bishop Mark Davies said converts came "by no special initiative on our part" but by the faith, worship and witness they found.
IA+misiónSanta Sede20 de febreroRome and the Vatican
St Peter's Basilica to offer AI translation of Masses in up to 60 languages
The Vatican announced an AI-assisted system giving real-time translation of Masses at St Peter's into up to 60 languages, in audio and text, through a QR code and a phone browser with no app download. Cardinal Mauro Gambetti linked it to the Church's universal mission during the basilica's 400th anniversary year.
Conversiones y cifrasRed18 de febreroUnited States
Barna: many trust AI spiritual advice, few pastors feel ready to teach on it
Barna's 2026 research on church and technology reports that nearly one in three US adults see AI spiritual advice as as trustworthy as a pastor's, rising to two in five among Gen Z and millennials. Only 12% of pastors feel equipped to teach on AI, and among heavy consumers of Christian media 45% say the content is divisive.
Italy's best-known influencer priest, don Alberto Ravagnani, leaves ministry
The Archdiocese of Milan confirmed that don Alberto Ravagnani, 32, a priest widely followed by young people online, told the archbishop he is suspending his priestly ministry. He had drawn criticism for sponsored supplement posts and a podcast appearance with rapper Fedez, and a book of his was due out days later. Avvenire followed with a piece on why priests should still be on social media, with discernment.
ReconociendoConferencia episcopal27 de eneroMexico
Mexico's bishops start a diocesan digital ministry plan with nine dioceses
On January 27, 2026, the Mexican bishops' communications commission (CEPCOM) held the first virtual meeting of its Pastoral Digital Diocesana strategy, with representatives of nine dioceses from different regions. Speakers included CEPCOM executive secretary Fr. Juan Javier Padilla Cervantes and Fr. José Juan Montalvo ("Padre Borre"), coordinator of the national Pastoral Digital council.
Papa y obisposSanta Sede24 de eneroRome and the Vatican
Pope Leo's first communications day message: keep human faces and voices
«into bubbles of easy consensus and easy outrage»
Pope Leo XIV's message for the 60th World Day of Social Communications, published on January 24, focuses on AI and asks that technology serve the human person rather than replace it. He warns that algorithms group people "into bubbles of easy consensus and easy outrage" and calls tech firms, lawmakers, educators and media to shared responsibility and digital literacy.
