In early February 2026, Don Alberto Ravagnani, a 32-year-old priest from the Diocese of Milan, Italy, announced that he was leaving the priesthood. Since he had gained popularity on social media through engaging videos on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube, the news went viral very quickly. The reason for mentioning this story here is not to analyse his decision, but to reflect on two realities: first, how we humans have become increasingly arrogant, judgmental, impatient to wait for the truth to emerge and unwilling to respect another person’s freedom; and second, to offer a personal reflection for priests and religious who are active on social media platforms, on how to maintain a healthy balance between social media engagement and Christ’s mission.
A Wake-Up Call
As soon as the message of Alberto came out, I saw judgments, condemnations, and rumours. People started talking about him without even knowing him. They created baseless opinions just to gain attention, just to say, “I’m here too.” This is where we need to reflect. Many people, both inside and outside the Church, react in the same way: they give quick judgments, use ready-made phrases and offer moral lessons in just a few lines on social media. Then come the rumours – “someone told me,” “did you hear?” – and comments under posts, often from people who act as if they know everything and judge with surprising ease.
When such reactions come from those who claim to be Catholic or even from priests, the scandal becomes deeper. Because this is no longer about information or discernment, but about misusing one’s gaze and one’s words. Woe to social media? Perhaps more than that, woe to human fragility. In the same way, being a priest today is also a wake-up call – especially for those who are deeply involved in social media platforms. Visibility can be a gift, but it can also become a burden. However, the mission remains unchanged: whether online or offline, the priest is called to be faithful, humble, and firmly rooted in Christ.
Echoes in India’s Vibrant Catholic Communities
Amidst many challenges, the Indian Catholic Church is full of life, with millions of faithful in places like Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Goa, the Northeast, Mumbai and other growing areas. Many young priests are serving effectively in their ministry, even on online platforms. They post short videos explaining Bible readings in local languages, share live prayers during festivals, answer questions from youth about love, jobs, and faith, and stream parish events. Priests like Fr. Sandesh Manuel from Bangalore and Fr. Valanarasu from Tamil Nadu have built large followings on Instagram and YouTube by combining music, creativity, and straight forward talk about God, the Church and the people – reaching those who might skip church but watch reels on their phones.
These efforts have a strong impact. They draw young crowds back to faith in a digital age. Yet, the same risks also emerge. Social media demands constant posts, likes, and views, which can make a priest feel that success is measured by numbers rather than quiet service. Indian priests already handle heavy workloads – many parishes serve thousands with few helpers, long trips to remote villages, family pressures, and occasional local tensions. Adding online fame can increase stress, burnout, or raise questions about their personal life and calling. This tension between visibility and vocation highlights a deeper challenge for modern priesthood.
Priestly Identity: Not Measured by Numbers
Priest is not primarily an influencer or content creator. Through ordination, he is configured to Christ the Head and Shepherd, called to act in persona Christi (Presbyterorum Ordinis, 2). Therefore, the fruitfulness of his priestly life is not measured by reach, approval or growth in followers, but by fidelity – often lived in hidden, repetitive, and uncelebrated ways: listening patiently, forgiving quietly, offering the Eucharist daily, and accompanying wounded lives over time. Social media can help spread that message far, much like early missionaries used pamphlets or radio. The danger arises when success is unconsciously measured not by faithfulness, but by effectiveness; not by communion, but by applause. Apps reward quick growth and attention, while priesthood calls for humility, giving yourself away, and letting Christ shine. As John the Baptist put it simply: “He must increase, I must decrease” (John 3:30). When a priest begins to worry more about going viral than being faithful in small things – visiting the sick, hearing confessions, or praying alone – the balance tips. The Gospel works best in everyday moments: a chat over tea, helping a family in need, or silent time before the Eucharist – not always in trending clips. True priestly fruitfulness is measured in quiet fidelity, not algorithms; it often saves in silence and obscurity.
To Our Beloved Brother Priests
Let’s keep using digital tools boldly to share Christ – our young people really need our voice today. But let’s also protect our own hearts along the way. Together, we can build simple habits that keep us steady and true:
– Let’s make regular spiritual direction and open, honest talks with our bishops, superiors or senior priests a normal part of our life.
– Let’s grow real brotherhood with other priests – face-to-face friendships that support us, not just online chats or groups.
– Let’s set clear boundaries for ourselves: putting the phone away during Mass, personal prayer time, and proper rest.
– Let’s see obedience to Church guidance not as something that holds us back, but as a shield that protects our calling.
These small steps help us stay rooted so we can keep giving ourselves fully – online and in the parish – without losing who we are called to be.
A Message to the Faithful – Families, Youth, and Parishes
Stand by your priests with prayer and kindness, not quick criticism. If a priest faces a hard time or chooses a different path – due to health, exhaustion, or personal reasons – avoid spreading rumours on WhatsApp or Facebook. Pray instead. Ask: Is he finding peace with God? In our culture that values respect for priests and elders, show real mercy. Sharp words hurt communities more than help. Young people often walk away not from priests, but from harsh talk among believers.
Finally, the Indian Church doesn’t need flashy stars. It needs everyday servants pointing to Jesus – in villages, cities, online, and everywhere. When ministry feels like a show, people get tired. An old saying warns: if the Church ties itself too closely to today’s trends, it may lose its way tomorrow. Pray for Don Alberto – that God guides him to joy and purpose. And let’s commit again: priests, root yourselves in prayer, sacraments, and brotherhood; faithful, build each other up with understanding. In our diverse India, may we be steady lights of Christ’s love both online and in real life.
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Fr. M. Titus Mohan, a priest of the Diocese of Kuzhithurai in South India, has authored more than 50 books and is currently pursuing doctoral studies in Moral Theology in Milan.