On the digital influencers in the world

The months of summer are viewed among the most outstanding moments of the Jubilee, which are celebrated around the world to mark the 2,025th anniversary of the birth of Lord Jesus Christ. On this historic occasion, all eyes are focused on ancient Rome, where more than a million young men and women from nearly 150 countries have converged to mark the Jubilee of Youth. Two delegations from Jordan participated in the Jubilee of Youth, along with a Palestinian delegation, whose members wore the distinctive Palestinian headcover, and were especially welcomed by the organizers at the opening session.

I also remember that I participated at a time when the world was celebrating the Great Jubilee in Rome in 2000. I wrote at the time an opinion article titled "The World's Youth in Rome" (August 25, 2000). Rome remains as is, a city called "immortal" due to the major historical events it witnessed as well as for the spiritual and cultural significance it holds, especially for the Catholic world, that sees in the heart of Rome a heart that radiates light and guidance in the world of today, namely the Vatican City, which administers the spiritual affairs of more than 1.4 billion people worldwide under the leadership of His Holiness the Pope.

Prior to the launching of the Jubilee of Youth, Rome witnessed a special jubilee that was held for the first time, namely the Jubilee of Digital Influencers. This event reflects the spirit of the time, where the digital presence of young people has become an undeniable reality. I had the honor to participate in this event following an official invitation and as part of a two-day program organized by the Vatican's Dicastery of Communications. One of its most prominent highlights was the meeting with Pope Leo XIV, who undoubtedly leaves his mark on all the events and activities he presides over, all of which are for the first time, due to the fact that his election is fewer than three months.

Pope Leo addressed the digital influencers, saying that the issue is not limited to producing content, but rather an encounter of hearts, by seeking out the suffering and the needy so that they could rise again and find a meaning in their lives. He stressed that “It is up to us, to each one of you, to ensure that this culture remains human. Our mission,  your mission, is to nurture a culture of Christian humanism, and to do so together". The Pope reiterated to us during the meeting: “O influencers, give love a voice in your media outlets!

Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin, who had inaugurated the Baptism Site early this year, said that the Christian faith reminds us that every person is a face, not just a “profile,” a sacred story, and not a collection of data. Therefore, digital messaging requires  all the time “a spiritual approach that gives priority to real encounter over speeches, service over stardom, communion over individualism, patience over haste, and truth over whatever dazzles.”

In brief, I returned from this meeting in Rome with a passel of new impressions, most notably that religious institutions are not aloof from the digital revolutions and transformations the world is witnessing, as they participate in them while using them effectively and intensively. However, this gargantuan digital presence must be concomitant  with quality and ethical content that is worthy of publication on pages which represent official institutions.

There are digital influencers all over the world, but we must agree that the term "digital influencer" doesn't refer only to millions or hundreds of thousands of followers. It rather necessities that the influence be confined to content, quality, truth, as well as to the values of justice and human dignity, which influencers present in an advanced and a professional manner. Let us be influencers, as the arena is open to everyone. But, let us set new humane standards that instill hope and optimism. By then, an influencer will become a genuine influencer, rather than a virtual one.