A San Antonio-based social media influencer named as Diana Lopez known as @thesaintjunkie, participated in the Vatican’s Jubilee of Digital Missionaries and Catholic Influencers held in Vatican City from July 28 to 29.
Influencers from around the world gathered to discuss their roles in online faith communication and to engage with Church leadership.
Pope Leo XIV addressed the participants, emphasizing the importance of authenticity and introspection in digital spaces. He described the influencers as both communicators and missionaries.
Lopez, who has built a faith-based audience online, said the event reflected the Church’s growing engagement with digital platforms and content creators. During the event, Pope Leo XIV blessed Lopez’s 8-month-old daughter.
Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle also participated, speaking on the evolving nature of evangelization and encouraging collaboration among digital missionaries.
The gathering included panel discussions, strategy sharing, and a closing Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica. It aimed to foster dialogue and recognize the contributions of those using social media to promote faith-based content.
Lopez’s attendance represents the increasing visibility of digital influencers in Catholic communities and the Church’s broader interest in new forms of outreach. Church leaders indicated the event may lead to further collaborations with online faith communities.
