Be the Light in a Digital World

As part of this Jubilee Year of Hope, Pope Leo XIV recently hosted the Jubilee of Digital Missionaries and Catholic Influencers. That’s right, this is a whole new world! Pope Leo understands the need to acknowledge the role and importance of technology in our lives today; he also emphasizes the need to see the human being behind the screen, to value the goodness of every individual in our digital space, to see each one made in the image of God. In fact, he chose the name “Leo” in the footsteps of Leo XIII, who defended the rights of human beings in response to the industrial revolution of the late 19 th century. Leo XIV now calls on each of us to remember the value of the individual in response to the rise of technology, especially artificial intelligence.

As he told the pilgrims gathered in Rome: “Today we find ourselves in a new culture, deeply characterized and formed by technology. It is up to us – it is up to each one of you – to ensure that this culture remains human.” It is up to each one of us to be attentive to how we use social media and technology, which tends to trap us in “echo chambers” in which we never think deeply, never engage in fruitful dialogue, never understand the value of healthy conflict.

Technology is a gift from God. We are called to use that gift with care, to build up God’s kingdom instead of tearing one another down, as seems to be the case in so many corners of the virtual world. 

Pope Leo encouraged the digital influencers to “be agents of communion, capable of breaking down the logic of division and polarization, of individualism and egocentrism.” He called on the “digital missionaries” to see the face of the other, to mend the nets of division and create “encounters between hearts.” 

“Nothing that comes from man and his creativity should be used to undermine the dignity of others. Our mission — your mission — is to nurture a culture of Christian humanism and to do so together. This is the beauty of the ‘internet’ for all of us.”

Pope Leo was addressing those who are professionally involved in the world of digital discipleship; however, each one of us is called to be attentive to how we use God’s gift of technology for the good of others. Whatever we post, whatever comment we make, whatever picture we share must be done in the context of honoring the dignity of each human person.

Go, therefore, and #BeTheLight, online and otherwise!