Province of Rwanda-Tchad: Catholic Influencers Connect

Kigali, May 1, 2026

On May 1, 2026, the Hôtel Sainte Famille in Kigali marked a historic turning point by hosting the "Catholic Influencers Connect" gathering. Held under the theme "Uniting Digital Talents for a New Era of Evangelization," this meeting constituted a major milestone in reflection on the future of evangelization. It enabled a frank dialogue between young faithful and the ecclesiastical hierarchy, in the face of the challenge of declining religious practice, and opened the way to a new missionary dynamic driven by digital technology. It was a powerful moment of the gathering, bringing together priests, religious, and influencers from Rwandan society: musicians, journalists, writers, artists, and digital specialists.

The exchanges made it possible to share experiences and reflect together on how faith can be expressed and shared in contemporary language. The influencers showed how their talents can serve to convey hope and Christian values, while the religious reminded attendees that it was not enough to "like" Jesus, but to maintain spiritual coherence and prudence in the use of media.

The expectations of young people:

Young people want a faith that is closer to their daily lives and better integrated into their realities. They are calling for a move from an "offline" Church to a "connected" Church! Among their proposals, three major priorities stand out:

• Digitalization of services: online registration for sacraments, Mass schedules, and pastoral agendas accessible online.
• Liturgical renewal: better sound systems (because faith is something you hear!) and more room for spontaneous praise.
• Media visibility: priests and religious present on social networks, with some even becoming "stars" to carry the evangelical message to young people.

In short, a genuine call to the Church to fully invest in the digital and cultural world, where young people already spend a good part of their time.

The responses of the leaders: between boldness and prudence

The pastors responded with seriousness… and a touch of wisdom. Cardinal Antoine Kambanda acknowledged the Church's lag in the use of social networks, while reminding everyone that one does not take corners "like a small car": one must think before rushing ahead.

• Digital engagement: he exhorted priests and religious to invest in platforms, while remaining vigilant in the face of the dangers of disinformation and artificial intelligence.
• The "star system": the Cardinal clarified that celebrity is a particular talent, to be encouraged in those who have it. Bishop Jean Bosco Ntagungira added that already well-known personalities must integrate the evangelical message into their publications.
• The necessary prudence: Sister Angeline Kambugu, President of the Conference of Major Superiors in Rwanda (COSUMAR), recalled that notoriety cannot be improvised. Even Jesus was never "ostentatious"! Not all consecrated persons are called to open accounts on social networks, and the use of media requires formation and discernment.

In short, openness yes, but not in any old way: the Church wants to be present online, but with authenticity and prudence.

To conclude, Cardinal Kambanda exhorted the religious of Rwanda to invest more in the digital world, because that is where young people and the world are now to be found. He reaffirmed that faith and innovation are not opposed, but complementary. Catholic Influencers Connect now stands as the foundation of a new missionary dynamic in Rwanda: a Church that, while maintaining its spiritual depth, learns to speak the digital language of its time… so as to leave no one on the side of the digital road.

The event is still available on YouTube; you can continue to enrich yourself from it through this link: https://www.youtube.com/live/5T_sI65uNzI?si=FnyT5NfVxJseDKwK