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Vatican official to Catholic journalists: Be ‘disciples before influencers’

July 2, 2026 · 1 min read

Editor’s Note: The following is the keynote address delivered by Archbishop Fortunatus Nwachukwu, secretary of the Dicastery for Evangelization, to young Catholic media professionals and guests during the closing dinner of the 2026 EWTN Summer Academy on July 1 in Rome.

Gratitude and hope Allow me to begin by expressing my heartfelt gratitude for the invitation to address you at the Summer Academy 2026. This gathering fills me with much hope and joy. It gladdens my heart to see young Catholic photographers, writers, filmmakers, reporters, editors, broadcasters, content creators, storytellers, and media influencers coming together, not merely to improve their technical and professional skills in media and journalism but to discern how they can use their talents and gifts to serve Christ and his Church. The concept note you shared with me clearly reflects your desire to uphold the truth, promote human dignity, and proclaim the Gospel.

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Людмила Шевчук

The word "discipline before influencers" from the archbishop sounds familiar. For example, in our parish, Oksana from the newspaper "Svitloivka" always wrote about the church holiday without photo editors, but with real understanding.

Paul Smith

Our youth group tried to get EWTN materials for our parish newsletter last year, but the staff at St. Michael's Church said they’d only share if we committed to "proclaiming the Gospel first" – like the Archbishop said at the Summer Academy. Do you think parish media groups should require that as a condition?

Rebecca Parker

I remember St. Michael's youth group asking about that at the summer meeting last August. How did you actually work out the practical details in your newsletter after they made that request?

Hannah Anderson

We had a similar thing at St. Michael's last month when the youth group wanted to use an EWTN photo for the Nativity feast - the editor said no unless we used a real photo from our church's actual candlelight service, not a staged one. It's hard, but the kids finally got it.

Sophia Turner

St. Michael's is our parish, and I heard about that youth group request at last month's council meeting. They ended up adding a short prayer before each newsletter article, which made the content feel more intentional.

Mark Phillips

Good to hear St. Michael's youth group added that "Lord, bless our words" prayer before newsletters. Saw it on the bulletin board near the coffee machine last Tuesday.

Paul Davis

That's a great example from St. Michael's. Using the real candlelight service photo probably did more to show the kids what authentic parish life looks like than any perfect stock image could. Did they end up taking their own shots that night?

Grace Thomas

That's interesting they went with a prayer at the start of each piece. Our choir director once suggested something similar for the hymn sheets we print, but we settled on just a quick blessing over the printer instead. Did it change how the youth group writes, or was it more for the readers?

Emily Young

Yeah, that “disciples first” line from the Archbishop makes sense for parish stuff. Our hiking group once tried sharing trail photos with a simple faith note attached, and it kept things from drifting into just pretty pictures. Did your youth group end up adding anything like that to the newsletter?

Photini Taylor

That's a nice touch at St. Michael's. My daughter saw the same bulletin last week and asked if we could start saying it before she writes her school reports. Simple habit, but it might actually make us pause before hitting send.

Галина Марченко

Yes, Oksana from "Svitloivka" really always wrote to the point, without unnecessary tinsel. We also have a grandmother from the choir in Poltava who says that one precise line is better than ten beautiful photos. And what do you think, is it easy for young journalists to adhere to this "discipline" on the Internet?

Олег Бондаренко

Yes, Galina, Oksana from "Svitloivka" was right - accuracy will always win. I also like how our grandmother from the chorus says about one line. But it is probably difficult for young people now, because likes and views are drawn towards beautiful pictures, not the essence. Have you talked to any of them about it?

Ольга Бойко

Yes, Galina, Oksana from "Svitloivka" took it precisely because she didn't chase after insults. At our meetings, it is also often mentioned that one true paragraph is better than ten beautiful but empty photos. And what do you think, does weaving or growing flowers help young people to keep their minds calm, so as not to drown in this Internet?

Laura Wright

That's a great idea for kids. My niece does something similar before she posts on her class group chat, and it really does slow her down a bit. Have you tried it with her yet?

Максим Савченко

Yes, Olga, one true paragraph is really worth more than a bunch of empty pictures. But weaving and flowers definitely help me - after a shift in the store, I sit down with a fishing rod or at the machine, and my head is immediately cleared of all this noise. And in "Svitloivka" do you also arrange such workshops for young people?

Богдан Гончар

Yes, Olga, weaving and flowers really help. After fishing in the estuary, I often sit in the rose garden - my hands are busy, and my thoughts become quieter without the constant buzzing of the phone. And in "Svitloivka", how exactly do you do this for young people, with your hands or even with prayer?

Тетяна Марченко

Yes, Bohdan, hands at work are the best way to calm the head, I also feel my thoughts becoming calmer after embroidering on the porch. In "Svitloivka" we start with prayer, and then we sit down to weave or embroider - and this combination is very helpful for young people. And what do you catch in the estuary, bream or more zander?