Have you ever heard of “digital missionaries”? These are Christian men and women (often but not exclusively lay people) who use the tools of modern technology, especially computers and the internet, to fulfil their vocation as proclaimers of the Gospel in cross-cultural contexts. This is a far cry from the work of religious missionaries who, only a hundred years ago, went to the ends of the earth with their Bibles, catechisms and mobile Mass packs (which contained all that was needed to celebrate Mass in an isolated village). They spent years learning the local language, toiled in grim situations, endured primitive living conditions, and often died young from the effects of poor hygiene and the physical demands of serving communities scattered throughout mountainous terrain where there were few roads and little communication. Many became martyrs.
In recent times, there has been much reflection by various Christian organisations on the role of modern technology in the work of mission. Most would say that technology provides new solutions to that fundamental challenge that has faced the church since its foundation - how can we most effectively spread the Good News?
However, the widespread use of internet technology and AI has raised a new set of questions. These relate to the contexts within which “digital missionaries” carry out their vocation. They no longer need to go to the ends of the earth. All they need is a computer and an internet connection, and they can work from the comfort of their own homes. Often, they don’t have to learn new languages - an app can simultaneously translate scriptural reflections and Gospel messages into whatever language they require. They certainly don’t have to wrestle with poor living conditions or hostile locals. Their messages are transmitted across airwaves through satellite communications.
Zoom meetings provide face-to-face encounters with people from around the globe. Liturgical events can be live-streamed to a worldwide audience.
On July 28 and 29, in Rome, the Jubilee of Digital Missionaries and Catholic Influencers took place. In his address to this Jubilee, Dr Paolo Ruffini, the Prefect of the Dicastery for Communications, noted that “What truly binds us is not the web, but something that transcends us: God himself”. In the same vein of thought, Pope Francis once wrote, “How do we sow hope amidst despair? How do we heal division? Is our communication rooted in prayer, or have we allowed ourselves to adopt the language of corporate marketing?” In his concluding address to this conference (St Peter’s Basilica, 29 July 2025), Pope Leo XIV urged digital missionaries to promote peace and commit themselves to nourishing “Christian hope in social networks and online spaces”. Secondly, he urged them to “look for the ‘suffering flesh of Christ’ in every brother and sister you encounter online”. Pope Leo said, “It is not simply a matter of generating content, but of creating an encounter of hearts”. His third piece of advice was to take up the scriptural text “go and mend the nets” (ref. Mark 1:19). Today, we are called to create new networks. But these networks should give voice to the weak; they should seek to liberate and save. They should be “networks that help us to rediscover the beauty of looking into each other’s eyes; networks of truth”.
Yes, digital missionaries resemble real missionaries, but they still have to rely on the “foreign” missionaries, those who physically go to the “ends of the earth” for the stories that can give substance and authenticity to the online messages by which they carry out the call of Jesus to “proclaim the Good News” (Mark 16:15).
Fr Tom Rouse, Regional Councillor of Oceania.
Mission Intentions
September - For our relationship with all of creation: Let us pray that, inspired by Saint Francis, we might experience our interdependence with all creatures who are loved by God and worthy of love and respect.
October - For collaboration betwenn different religious traditions: Let us pray that believers in different religious traditions might work together to defend and promote peace, justice and human fraternity.
Listen to "Mission World - Are digital missionaries real missionaries"
Related links
- Read more from The Far East - September/October 2025
