The Pope provides some guidelines for influencers. Now Vatican City advises on how to run social media
The Vatican has spoken out on what Christian activity on social media should look like. It has published a "pastoral reflection" on the subject of influencers.
It's the 21st century, so the Church is trying to keep up with trends. At least in some cases. The Vatican's Dicastery for Communications has issued an official document concerning Christian activity on social media. It has taken a particular interest in the issue of influencers.
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According to the Church, the most important principle that will help to be a good Christian influencer is to take the activity seriously. The Vatican City’s message emphasises that every believer is in fact a micro-influencer because they influence those in their immediate environment.
"There are not only macro-influencers with a large audience, but also micro-influencers. Every Christian is a micro-influencer. Every Christian should be aware of his or her potential influence, no matter how many followers he or she has, " Vatican City says
Vatican City states: 'being an influencer is a huge responsibility'
"With great power comes great responsibility." Who would have guessed that in 2023 Roman Catholic Church would be paraphrasing Spider-Man? However, it has happened.
The Vatican un-ironically (and quite rightfully) notes that reach has a direct effect on the weight of words that land on the internet.
"However, we should recognize that our responsibility increases with the increase in the number of followers. The greater the number of followers, the greater our awareness should be that we are not acting in our own name. The responsibility to minister to one’s community, especially for those in public leadership roles, cannot become secondary to promoting one’s personal opinions from the public pulpits of digital media", vaguely states the document titled "Towards Full Presence"
The pitfalls of the digital world. This is what Catholic influencers need to beware of
In composing the document, Vatican City was inspired by the parable of the merciful Samaritan. In addition to recommending responsibility and prudence in the choice of content, it also drew up a list of undesirable behaviours.
A good Catholic influencer will never:
- Perceive users as consumers,
- encourage extreme behaviour,
- build temporary relationships that will not benefit the local community,
- put his own welfare above that of the community.
The Holy See also recalled that " some of the most powerful ‘Christian influencers’ have been martyrs."
Does Najjjka, probably the most famous catholic influencer in Poland, fit the description of the ideal influencer according to Vatican City officials? To the passage with the martyrs - certainly.
Source: pap.pl, wprost.pl
