Leo XIV meets with religious: Zanotti (USG), ‘‘Let’s create human relationships even in the digital age.”

"The digital world opens great possibilities also in the field of evangelization, allowing us to reach all people, even those whom we ordinarily struggle the most to reach."
So says Don Mario Zanotti, secretary of the Union of Superiors General (USG), in an interview with SIR after the audience granted by Leo XIV to the participants of the 104th General Assembly.
"Through the digital world we can enter into communication with distant people, with whom it would otherwise be difficult to communicate," Don Zanotti continues. In his remarks, he also highlights the need to pay attention to the risks connected to the use of technology: "The main issue is believing that human relationships can be replaced by relationships mediated by the digital world, by computers, and by technology." Hence his reference to places that are essential to religious life: "All places intended for encounter remain fundamental—especially those designed for dialogue, discussion, and decision-making—such as chapters, community meetings, and all gatherings necessary for listening to one another while looking each other in the eye and building direct relationships." The digital theme also concerns formation:"At times, few candidates—even just one—might find themselves living a form of training that becomes individualistic. We try to create relationships among candidates, and above all, human relationships."

Article by Riccardo Benotti (SIR Information Agency)