Influential Saints

The ease with which the internet has enabled us to communicate has an impact on many areas of the Church, from institutional communication to the more widespread dissemination of devotions. Setting aside the negative uses we sometimes see, its positive aspects are undeniable: just think of how many people are able to hear the Pope thanks to these media.

In particular, this has had a very positive impact on the progress of canonization cases. Today, it is much easier to spread the word about a Christian whose cause is being opened. Videos, texts, and interviews make it possible to share the story of their life and devotion with the whole world. I have recently received news of progress in various causes, such as the announcement of the beatification of Fulton Sheen and the latest developments in the cause of Pedro Ballester.

I've been thinking these past few days that this parallels what's happening on Instagram, TikTok and other networks with the influencers: people who share their lives, their friendships, and their “tips” with millions of followers who look up to them as role models. The saints are the greatest models of holiness for Christians, and now we can also have them very close to us through social media.

I think it would be a great idea to promote social media accounts that share the lives of the saints in the first person, perhaps with the help of artificial intelligence. Their diaries, anecdotes, or advice could be adapted so that they “speak” to us on a personal level, as if they were posts from today. These initiatives—some of which are already underway—can help Christians who use social media discover the saints among the influencers they follow. A piece of good advice for daily life or an example of how to face a challenge can be the perfect nudge to bring us closer to Christ.