Berpastoral di Era Digital Menurut Paus Fransiskus

Abstract

This study is motivated by the rapid development of the digital world, which has significantly influenced the lifestyle and pastoral practices of the Catholic Church, as well as the weak sensitivity of some pastoral ministers to Pope Francis’ gestures and views in responding to this digital reality. The purpose of this study is to examine the contribution of Pope Francis’ gestures and teachings regarding the digital world and their relevance to the renewal of the Church’s pastoral model in the contemporary era. This study uses a qualitative approach with a descriptive-analytical and reflective-theological library research design, with the main sources being Church Magisterium documents and academic writings related to digital pastoral care. The data were analysed using content analysis combined with a hermeneutic-theological approach to explore the normative meaning and practical implications of Pope Francis’ views. The results show that Pope Francis views the digital world as a dual reality: on the one hand, it is a gift and a strategic opportunity for proclaiming the Gospel and strengthening pastoral encounters, but on the other hand, it is a space that has the potential to give rise to isolation, dependence, and ethical crises if not used wisely. These findings emphasise that the digital world needs to be understood as a new pastoral locus that demands a dialogical, critical, and responsible presence of the Church, supported by an ethical framework for the protection of human dignity and the relevance of the Church’s mission in the midst of digital culture.