Catholic Bishops DID NOT BAN Phone, Social Media Use During Mass

By Fr. Michael Nsikak Umoh,
National Director of Social Communications, Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria, Abuja.

A recent news piece and video clips circulating on social media claim that the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) has banned the use of mobile phones and Social Media during Mass. This is incorrect and a sad example of a misleading reportage.

The news texts misinterpreted a CBCN circular dated August 15, 2024, which addressed priests on “Abuses During Liturgical Celebrations” and emphasized proper liturgical practices. The circular did not ban phone or social media use when utilized appropriately for evangelization, such as live streaming Mass or other liturgical celebrations.

In fact, the Church always encourages responsible media engagement, and in this age of digital media, the Holy Father Pope Francis has repeatedly called on pastoral agents especially, to be more dedicated in their engagement with the Social Media through full and positive presence.

Similarly, the Prefect for the Vatican Dicastery on Social Communications, Paolo Ruffini, expressed that “as individuals and as an ecclesial community, we are to live in the digital world, ‘as loving neighbours’ who are genuinely present and attentive to each other on our common journey along the digital highways.”

An incorrect interpretation of the message of the fathers of the Church in Nigeria presented in the news is therefore not only a disservice but should be avoided and discouraged.

While acknowledging some inappropriate digital media uses within the Church, the Bishops are consulting on producing a ‘Guide on Social Media Use for and within Liturgical Celebrations’ in order to address the situation.

In the same vein the Communications Directorate of the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria has provided facilities for all, Catholics and non-Catholic alike, through the Nigeria Catholic Network (NCN) application, to access authentic news and information about the Church from all parts of the country and beyond:
http://www.nigeriacatholicnetwork.com.

Interested persons may send “ADD ME” to 090 6000 6198 via WhatsApp to receive constant updates on the Church in Nigeria.