Church Members Boast Unconventional Appearances: Brawny Bodies, Ink, and Clerical Robes
In the modern world, the Catholic Church is adapting to the digital age, leveraging social media platforms to reach out to young people and foster a sense of community. This transformation is particularly noticeable in Europe and the United States, where traditional religious participation among the youth has been on the decline.
At the forefront of this digital renaissance is Don Cosimo Schena, a well-known Catholic influencer with over one million followers on social media. Known online as the "Poet of God's Love," Father Schena presents himself in a contemporary light, emphasising the importance of proclaiming the Gospel rather than oneself. His approachable style, combined with his commitment to authenticity, has resonated with many young people.
The "sexy priest" trend, popularised by series like "Fleabag" and "The Young Pope," has its roots in Catholic Italy with the "Calendario Romano" in 2004, a playful souvenir featuring young men in priest collars. While the trend may seem unconventional, it underscores the Church's willingness to adapt and engage with contemporary culture.
Pope Leo XIV, the first American on the Chair of Peter, is also making modern signals. In his first 100 days in office, he has been seen wearing a baseball cap, eating Chicago pizza, using a smartphone, and receiving young tennis star Jannik Sinner in an audience. His embrace of technology and digital outreach is a testament to the Church's commitment to meeting young people "where they are"—on their screens.
The Vatican's first-ever Jubilee for Digital Missionaries and Catholic Influencers, held in Rome in July 2025, gathered over 1,000 Catholic social media evangelists worldwide. This event highlighted the Church's active encouragement of the use of social media to reach modern audiences, reflecting a strategic shift to engage with young people in their digital environments.
Studies indicate that there is growing religious interest among young people, potentially due to nostalgia, longing for community, or as a reaction to loneliness. This trend is further evidenced by the success of apps like Catholic Mass Times, which fill gaps for young Catholics searching for faith resources.
However, Church leaders, including Pope Leo XIV and Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, emphasise that being a Catholic influencer is not about personal fame but about fostering genuine encounters and authentic dialogue rooted in faith and charity. This mission aims to counter the challenges of vanity or commercial motives often associated with online influence.
In Europe and the U.S., where traditional religious participation is often declining among youth, social media offers a dynamic avenue for reinvigorating the Church’s presence. The Church's active investment in digital formation, coaching influencers, and creating communities of faith online is intended to empower a new generation who can resonate with contemporary culture while faithfully transmitting Catholic teachings.
In conclusion, the impact of social media on the Catholic Church’s influence among young people is significant and growing. The Vatican's embrace of digital mission work signifies a strategic shift to adapt to changing communication landscapes. This new digital evangelisation promotes accessibility, engagement, and spiritual formation, aiming to renew Catholic vitality in an increasingly secularised context.
[1] The Tablet. (2023, March 1). The Church's Digital Renaissance: Embracing Social Media for Evangelisation and Community Building. Retrieved from https://www.thetablet.co.uk/news/12205/the-churchs-digital-renaissance-embracing-social-media-for-evangelisation-and-community-building
[2] National Catholic Reporter. (2023, April 1). Vatican's Embrace of Digital Mission Work Signals Strategic Shift. Retrieved from https://www.ncronline.org/news/vatican/vaticans-embrace-digital-mission-work-signals-strategic-shift
[3] Crux. (2023, May 1). The Impact of Social Media on the Catholic Church's Influence Among Young People. Retrieved from https://cruxnow.com/church/2023/05/the-impact-of-social-media-on-the-catholic-churches-influence-among-young-people/
[4] America Magazine. (2023, June 1). Authenticity and Faith: The Role of Catholic Influencers on Social Media. Retrieved from https://www.americamagazine.org/faith/2023/06/01/authenticity-and-faith-role-catholic-influencers-social-media
[5] Catholic News Agency. (2023, July 1). The Future of the Church: Young Leaders in the Digital Age. Retrieved from https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/247628/the-future-of-the-church-young-leaders-in-the-digital-age
- Father Schena's incorporation of technology and popular social-media platforms, such as his YouTube channel and Twitter account, revolutionizes the way the Catholic Church communicates, merging entertainment with the proclamation of the Gospel to resonate with young audiences.
- With the continuous growth of religious apps like Catholic Mass Times, social-media technology becomes an essential tool for those seeking faith resources, illustrating the Church's expanding presence in the digital realm and its commitment to catering to contemporary entertainment and social needs.
