Vatican turns to ‘hot priests’ to rescue faith
(MENAFN) In an effort to reconnect with younger generations and counter declining church attendance, the Vatican is hosting a digital evangelism summit featuring several clergy members who have gained popularity online — and have been dubbed “hot priests” by fans and media.
Starting Monday in Rome, the event will welcome over 1,000 participants, including priests, monks, and lay digital communicators. The initiative reflects the Vatican’s push to modernize its outreach amid rising secularism, particularly across Europe.
Attendees include priests who have amassed large online followings for both their spiritual content and charismatic presence. Among them is 58-year-old Father Giuseppe Fusari — a tattooed bodybuilder and art historian from Brescia — who shares faith-based reflections and gym photos with over 60,000 Instagram followers. “Social media can draw people in,” Fusari told The Telegraph.
Also attending is Father Cosimo Schena, 46, known for his spiritual poetry and photos with his rescue dog Storm, which have helped significantly increase attendance at his parish. He now has an online following exceeding 450,000.
Father Ambrogio Mazza, 34, reaches over 460,000 users through TikTok and Instagram by posting music, mini-sermons, and glimpses into everyday life.
While the Vatican hasn’t officially commented on the “hot priest” label, the event's organizers emphasize that the aim is to enhance the Church’s digital communication capabilities. Run by the Dicastery for Communication, the summit will offer training on social media strategy, digital ethics, and presenting Catholic teachings online.
This initiative comes ahead of the Jubilee of Youth gathering in early August and is part of a broader digital strategy launched by Pope Francis and continued under Pope Leo XIV.
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