“Towards full presence” is the title of the document of the Dicastery for Communication published on Monday 29 May. The document is a careful pastoral reflection that aims to activate people’s involvement in the digital digital continent with the objective of initiating a dialogue and strategy on how to make this ecosystem more human. The evangelical reference of the document is the parable of the Good Samaritan!
Dear Brothers of the Congregation of the Mission,
it is with great enthusiasm and on the advice of the Director of the Office of Communication, Fr. Farì, that we invite you to read the recent document published by the Holy See, entitled “Towards Full Presence”. This text, drafted by the Dicastery for Communication, aims to offer guidance and direction to Catholics on how to live and bear witness to their faith in the digital age.
Document Summary
The document “Towards a Full Presence” reflects on the role of Christians in the digital world. It emphasises the importance of an authentic and caring digital presence, capable of building community and promoting the common good. The need for integrity and responsibility in the use of digital platforms is promoted, encouraging respect, dialogue and overcoming polarisation. The document aims to guide the faithful towards a conscious and responsible use of digital technologies, integrating online and offline experiences to strengthen human and spiritual relationships. Let us briefly review the various sections of the document.
Chapter I: Beware of pitfalls on the ‘digital roads’
The first chapter warns against the pitfalls of the digital world, such as misinformation, superficial online relationships and isolation, and the polarisation of opinions. It calls on Christians to be vigilant and to cultivate a critical and reflective attitude. “Along the ‘digital roads’ many people are hurt by division and hatred. We cannot ignore it. We cannot just be silent bystanders. To humanise digital environments, we must not forget those who are ‘left behind’.”
In this context, the importance of recognising the dangers of ‘digital roads’ and proceeding with prudence and discernment is emphasised.
Chapter II: From Awareness to True Encounter
The second chapter focuses on the need to move from mere digital awareness to actual encounter. An authentic and responsible digital presence must foster listening and dialogue, transforming virtual relationships into authentic human relations.
“Recognising our digital neighbours means recognising that each person’s life affects us, even when their presence (or absence) is mediated by digital tools.”
Every digital encounter must become an opportunity for personal and community growth, a true space to meet the other. Especially if it is different from us or a stranger.
Chapter III: From Encounter to Community
The third chapter explores how online interactions can lead to the formation of cohesive communities based on Christian values and solidarity. It invites us to transform these encounters into true communities, reflections of ecclesial communion.
“Social media can be seen as another ‘road to Jericho’, full of opportunities for unexpected encounters, as it was for Jesus: with a blind beggar who cried out loud by the side of the road (cf. Lk 18:35-43), with a dishonest tax collector who hid among the branches of a fig tree (cf. Lk 19:1-9), with an injured man left for dead by thieves (cf. Lk 10:30). At the same time, the parable of the Good Samaritan reminds us that the mere fact that someone is “religious” (a priest or Levite) or claims to be a follower of Jesus is no guarantee that he will offer help or seek healing and reconciliation.”
From the authentic encounter is born the community, capable of overcoming digital barriers to embrace humanity. Incarnation is important for Christians. The Word of God became incarnate in a body, suffered and died with his body, and in the Resurrection rose with his body.
Chapter IV: A Distinctive Style
The fourth chapter proposes a distinctive style for our digital presence, based on Gospel values such as truth, charity and justice. This style must be recognisable and attract others to the beauty of the Christian life, promoting dialogue and mutual listening
“Christian style must be reflective, not reactive, even on social media. Therefore, we must all be careful not to fall into the digital traps hidden in content that is intentionally designed to sow conflict among users, provoking indignation or emotional reactions.”
We are called to be visible signs of hope and love even in the digital world, bringing the light of the Gospel into the darkness of the web.
The importance of the Parable of the Good Samaritan
Within the document, the importance of the parable of the Good Samaritan is emphasised as a guide for behaviour in the digital world. This parable invites us to be close to others, even in the virtual context, showing mercy and compassion to anyone we meet online. This attitude reflects the heart of the Christian message of love and service to neighbour.
“May the icon of the Good Samaritan, who binds up the wounds of the beaten man by pouring oil and wine on them, be our guide. May our communication be fragrant oil for sorrow and good wine for joy. May our brightness come not from tricks or special effects, but from our making ourselves the neighbours of those we meet wounded along the way, with love, with tenderness”.
Social media and Vincentian charisma
In the digital context, the Vincentian charism takes on a special relevance. As spiritual children of St. Vincent de Paul, we are called to be present among the poor and marginalised also in the digital peripheries. Our commitment to charity must be reflected in a digital presence that listens, welcomes and supports, promoting the dignity of each person. Our online presence must reflect the values of simplicity, humility, meekness, mortification and zeal for souls, helping to build a more human and supportive digital world. We urge you to read and meditate on this document, to continue witnessing our Vincentian charism with authenticity and joy in the digital world.
Girolamo Grammatico
Communication Office
