A Call to Evangelize the Digital Continent
They have social media handles that include @acaffeinatedcatholic, @theologyofthehome, and @catholicmomdaily. They are Catholic digital influencers and last month, Pope Leo XIV welcomed over a thousand of these content creators to Rome for a first-ever Jubilee of Digital Missionaries and Influencers. The new pope included the event as part of the Jubilee of Youth, and it signified a deep acknowledgment of both the significance and the potential of online platforms in the Church’s growing role in the digital realm and the transformative spiritual opportunities.
As he did when he addressed the crowd in St. Peter’s Square when he was elected, he greeted the attendees with, “Peace be with you!” (John 20:19), and he noted that this peace must be shared not only in parts of the world torn by war, but also in the “empty hearts” of those lost in the noise of digital life. Pointing to Acts 1:3–8, he called digital missionaries to be witnesses “to the ends of the earth,” including the farthest reaches of cyberspace.
The Pope’s message was structured around three invitations:
Proclaim Peace and Hope Online
Pope Leo urged influencers to be bearers of Christian hope in a world often marked by despair and division. He emphasized that digital evangelization is not merely about content creation but about fostering genuine encounters—spaces where people can rediscover meaning, healing, and the presence of Christ.
Recognize the Suffering Christ in the Digital Realm
Drawing from the Church’s tradition of Christian humanism, Pope Leo challenged participants to see the “suffering flesh of Christ” in every person they encounter online. He warned against the dehumanizing effects of technology and called for a culture that respects dignity, listens deeply, and speaks truthfully.
“Mend the Nets” of Relationship and Communion
Inspired by Matthew 4:21–22, where Jesus calls his apostles while they mend their fishing nets, Pope Leo invited digital missionaries to weave new networks—networks of love, truth, and authentic friendship. He cautioned against the superficiality of follower counts and urged influencers to build spaces that uplift the weak, heal loneliness, and reflect the infinite love of God.
In November, Pope Leo XIV will again make history with his first-ever digital encounter with American Catholic youth during the 2025 National Catholic Youth Conference (NCYC), held in Indianapolis. About 15,000 young people, aged 14–18 will be gathered and the continue the conversation and explore ways to “mend the nets” and be part of the network of God.
The amount of Catholic digital content is vast and growing, here at home and around the world. At The Basilica of Saint Mary, we have 14 digital platforms, some with extensive existing reach. The lineup includes email marketing, websites, and most recently, the addition of texting capabilities. These tools help us reach out to people in spaces where they currently look for information.
Virtual Connections
- Facebook and Instagram with over 12,000 followers
@Basilicampls @BasilicaLandmark - LinkedIn, a growing platform for us with about 700 followers
- BasiliCAST podcast – 10 podcasts available
- 200 Livestream weekly attendees
Our Basilica staff dedicates time and creativity each week to sharing content on our social media channels that is engaging, informative, and reflect the values of our parish community. Building a strong presence online is one of our strategic priorities—it allows us to highlight the mission and ministry of The Basilica, extend a warm welcome to new people, and stay connected with those who may have moved away but still call The Basilica home.
Pope Leo’s emphasis on formation, authenticity, and discerning together definitely lines up with Pope Francis’ vision, but he also carves out his own path—one that embraces technology while staying grounded in mystery and grace. As our parish continues to explore different digital platforms, we’re reminded that these are just tools—not the goal. They’re simply ways to connect, to share, and to bring the Gospel to people who are searching.
Julie Craven
Marketing Chair, The Basilica of Saint Mary