Pope Leo XIV was warmly welcomed by Catholic influencers at the Vatican’s festival, where he highlighted the importance of maintaining human connections amidst the rise of digital ecosystems and artificial intelligence.
Pope Leo XIV was met with enthusiastic cheers at the Vatican’s festival of Catholic influencers, an event that brought together priests, nuns, and laypeople who harness social media to spread the faith. Taking place on July 29 in St. Peter’s Basilica, the pope’s arrival was met with hundreds of attendees eager to stream the encounter on their smartphones. This gathering is part of a Holy Year celebration focusing on “digital missionaries,” culminating in a vigil and Mass on the outskirts of Rome.
The pontiff thanked the young influencers for using their platforms to promote the faith and even posed for numerous selfies. However, he cautioned against ignoring human relationships in favor of digital engagement, warning them about the pitfalls of fake news and superficial online interactions.
“It is not simply a matter of generating content, but of creating an encounter between hearts,” Pope Leo XIV said. He emphasized the importance of becoming “agents of communion,” promoting unity over division and individualism. “It is up to us — to each one of you — to ensure that this culture remains human,” he continued. “Our mission — your mission — is to nurture a culture of Christian humanism, and to do so together” through friendship, love, and spiritual connection.
Pope Leo XIV’s discourse aligns with his papal priorities, as he has stated that addressing the human challenges posed by artificial intelligence is essential.
During the festival, Fr. David McCallum, an American Jesuit, engaged participants in interactive sessions, encouraging them to converse directly with one another. Cardinal Antonio Tagle, head of the Vatican’s evangelization office, urged attendees to shun misinformation, coercion, and commercialization in their online activities, even sharing his personal experience of being falsely featured in an arthritis medicine advertisement.
The event, akin to a mini World Youth Day, saw throngs of energetic teenagers, Catholic scouts, and church groups converging on Rome. These festivities are part of the lead-up to the Vatican’s 2025 Holy Year, which anticipates participation from millions around the world.
The festival drew parallels to the recent World Youth Day in Lisbon, Portugal, which gained widespread attention thanks to Fr. Guilherme Peixoto, a charismatic priest and DJ. His memorable set infused with messages from St. John Paul II and Pope Francis became a trending highlight. Although Fr. Peixoto was present in Rome, his plans for another performance remained uncertain.
Pablo Licheri, creator of the Catholic Mass Times app with two million downloads, expressed his appreciation for meeting like-minded Catholic influencers and participating in communal prayer. “I was especially moved to meet so many fellow Catholic influencers in person and to pray together with others who share the same passion for spreading the joy of God’s love,” Licheri remarked following the Mass.
According to Catholic News Report, the event underscored the Vatican’s commitment to engaging with young digital missionaries while reminding them of the human touch that must accompany their evangelizing efforts.