Pope Francis Encourages Digital Evangelizers

In his video message to young people taking part in the “Hechos 29”, or “Acts 29” event, Pope Francis urged “digital evangelizers” to reach out to people in digital spaces who have not yet encountered Christ.

The international conference that took place on 5-6 August in Monterrey, Mexico brought together Christians seeking to evangelize online and on social media.

Appreciating this “important initiative” to be a Church in the digital space, Pope said:

“May this meeting help you to feel you are a community, as a part of the missionary life of the Church, which has never been afraid to go towards new horizons and frontiers and, with creativity and courage, announce the mercy and tenderness of God.”

Pope told them not to be afraid of mistakes as they seek to evangelize online.

“I never tire of repeating that I prefer a Church that is wounded because it ventures out to the existential peripheries of the world, to a Church that is sick because it remains closed up in its petty securities.”

The Pope expressed his hope that digital missionaries might make the internet and social media places that are “full of humanity”, as they act as Good Samaritans toward others.

“May virtuality strengthen presence,” said Pope Francis, “so that the web may generate communion that makes Jesus present in its own culture.”

Pope Francis also recalled the encouragement he offered to Catholics during his recent Apostolic Journey to Canada.

“We must find new ways to proclaim the heart of the Gospel to those who have not yet encountered Christ,” he repeated.  “Go and take the hope of Jesus, especially to those who are most distant, giving them reasons for the hope that is in them.”

 - With inputs from the Vatican News