Fr Makuła starts from the explanation of the term, indicating the definition given by several scholars, professors and researchers. Subsequently, referring to the data obtained from a recent survey conducted in Italy by "Ipsos" and Vincenzo Cosenza, founder of the Metaverse Observatory, an overview is offered on the attitudes of the population towards the Metaverse. The survey shows a general openness and, moreover, the research highlights the tendency to see the Metaverse not as an alternative to physical reality, but as a way to improve online activities.
And how does the Church fit into all this? "To date, no document has been prepared in the Church that refers directly to the Metaverse" he writes, "However, many texts indirectly refer to the context that leads to the reality under discussion. Already in 2005, John Paul II had foreseen the rapid development of the Internet and had invited Catholics to engage in evangelisation in this new field" Fr Makuła says.
The article then examines an even earlier document, The Church and the Internet, from 2002, which: "provides a guide to addressing technological change and new processes related to the presence of the Church in the digital world. The right attitude should be to engage with new technologies and immerse yourself in evangelisation with an increasing use of the Internet."
Finally, he focuses on the latest document of the Dicastery for Communication in 2023, which does not explicitly mention the Metaverse, but talks about paying attention to the coexistence of the digital and physical world.
What is certain, however, is that the Metaverse is very popular, especially among young people, and that the virtual proclamation of the Gospel is becoming a necessity for the Church today and is no longer just an addition to traditional pastoral care. There is a need for the Church to show creativity and responsibility, which must be flexible in all conditions. The Metaverse, in other words, represents a huge challenge for the Church not only in the field of faith, but also in the transmission of human values.
The complete article, exploring the complex theme of the Metaverse and the future of the Church in this reality, can be downloaded here at the bottom of the page, available in several languages.
