On 21 April the joint meeting of the three sections of the CCEE Commission for Youth – Section for Vocations, Section for Youth Ministry, Section for School and university – took place with the theme: “Be Prophets in the Digital World!” (Leo XIV). Inhabiting New Spaces with Pastoral Creativity. The event was attended by bishops, directors and delegates from the European Bishops’ Conferences working in the fields covered by these sections, with the aim of reflecting on the Church’s mission and, in particular, on youth ministry in the digital age.
In his opening remarks, H.E. Msgr. Claudio GIULIODORI, President of the Commission for Youth and Bishop responsible for the Section for School and University, opened the proceedings by outlining the agenda and objectives of the meeting in the light of the Final Report of Study Group No. 3 of the Synod on Synodality: “The Mission in the Digital Environment”.
The first working session opened with a presentation by Prof. Giuseppe RIVA, Director of the Humane Technology Lab at the University of the Sacred Heart in Milan. In his presentation, “Growing Up in the Age of Social Media and AI – Psychological and Social Aspects”, he demonstrated how social media and artificial intelligence are transforming human relationships. Human beings are deeply social creatures, and the shift from ‘I’ to ‘we’ is essential; however, digital environments cannot fully replace physical interactions, thereby undermining empathy and a sense of belonging. Social media tends to foster more superficial relationships and communities of like-minded people where there is no real exchange of views, nor true inclusion. AI amplifies these risks, although – if designed and used responsibly – it can also offer new opportunities, including in the field of psychological support.
The second session, devoted to theological and pastoral aspects, featured a presentation by Rev. Jean GOVÉ, Coordinator for artificial intelligence activities for the Archdiocese of Malta. He emphasised that the challenge is not merely technological or ethical, but above all anthropological. Young people, although constantly connected, often experience loneliness and a sense of meaninglessness in a culture that reduces the individual to performance and visibility. The Christian perspective, on the other hand, places the dignity of the person and genuine encounter with others at the centre. From a pastoral point of view, technology can help, but it cannot replace authentic relationships and personal accompaniment: true evangelisation arises from human encounter. Digital technology must therefore serve as a “doorway” to real communities.
In the third part of the meeting, some participants presented pastoral experiences and specific initiatives in the field of digital mission from within the European Bishops’ Conferences.