The Need for Bishops to Imprimatur/Nihil Obstat Catholic Content: Blogs, websites, Influencers, Social Media

The Need for Catholic Bishops to Monitor and Regulate Catholic Blogs, Websites and Social Media Content

Back in 2016, I wrote a blog post regarding the need for bishops to monitor, vet, and regulate Catholic blogs (see: Sacerdotus: Bishops Need To Monitor Blogs). A lot has changed since then. Today we have "influencers" who use newer platforms and technology such as TikTok, Instagram, and livestreaming to post content.  

In an era where digital platforms dominate communication, the Catholic Church faces a significant challenge: the proliferation of unvetted content by laypeople, priests, and self-proclaimed influencers claiming to represent Catholic teaching. Social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, X, and various blogs have become spaces where individuals, some with large followings, present themselves as authoritative voices on the Catechism, the Bible, Church teachings, and liturgy. While many of these voices aim to evangelize, others spread misinformation, personal biases, or even heretical ideas, causing confusion among Catholics and non-Catholics alike.

This unchecked digital content fosters division within the Church, creates factions, and, in some cases, leads to scandal that harms the Church’s credibility. To address this growing issue, Catholic bishops, as the chief teachers and liturgists of their dioceses, must take an active role in monitoring and regulating Catholic content online. This blog post argues for the establishment of a structured system—modeled on the traditional nihil obstat and imprimatur—to certify and vet digital content, ensuring it aligns with authentic Catholic teaching and prevents the spread of error, bias, and scandal. This is a tweet (as it was called then) from 2016 where I mentioned the USCCB suggesting the bishops do more to regulate Catholic blogs:

I think bishops should monitor "Catholic" blogs. So much gossip and misinformation is circulating and is harming our faith. @USCCB

— ☧✝️Sacerdotus™⚛✡🇻🇦☧ (@Sacerdotus) January 21, 2016

Pope Benedict XVI's Call to Evangelize the "Digital Continent:

Pope Benedict XVI viewed social media as a powerful tool for evangelization, describing it as a "digital continent" that offers new opportunities to share the Gospel. He emphasized that social networks are not just tools but environments to be inhabited, where Christians should engage authentically to foster dialogue, build relationships, and proclaim faith. In his 2013 message for the 47th World Communications Day, titled "Social Networks: Portals of Truth and Faith; New Spaces for Evangelization," he highlighted that social media can create a "new agora" for sharing ideas and fostering unity, particularly for isolated Christian communities. He encouraged Christians, especially young people, to be "digital witnesses" rather than influencers, sharing faith through authentic, respectful communication rooted in Gospel values.[](https://www.vaticannews.va/en/vatican-city/news/2023-01/pope-emeritus-benedict-xvi-alessandro-gisotti-faith-digital-age.html)[](https://www.vatican.va/content/benedict-xvi/en/messages/communications/documents/hf_ben-xvi_mes_20130124_47th-world-communications-day.html) He also stressed the importance of dialogue and reasoned debate, noting in 2011 that the internet requires a Christian presence that is "honest and open, responsible and respectful of others." He saw social media as a space for catechesis, prayer, and charity, urging priests to use digital tools to help people sense God’s presence. However, he cautioned against pitfalls like self-indulgence or constructing false identities online.[](https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/23753234.2022.2111974)[](https://www.catholicculture.org/news/headlines/index.cfm?storyid=5243)[](https://www.medjugorjemiracles.com/2011/01/pope-benedict-xvi-encourages-us-social-media-and-internet-users/) Benedict XVI led by example, launching the @Pontifex Twitter account on December 12, 2012, with his first tweet: "Dear friends, I am pleased to get in touch with you through Twitter. Thank you for your generous response. I bless all of you from my heart." This marked a historic step in embracing digital communication for evangelization.[](https://x.com/VaticanNews/status/1610138887409618944)[](https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2025-05/pope-leo-xiv-inherits-papal-social-media-accounts.html)[](https://www.vaticannews.va/en/vatican-city/news/2023-01/pope-emeritus-benedict-xvi-alessandro-gisotti-faith-digital-age.html) The Problem: Unvetted Catholic Content and Its Consequences The rise of social media has democratized content creation, allowing anyone with an internet connection to share their views on Catholic doctrine, liturgy, and Church governance. While this has enabled creative evangelization, it has also led to the spread of misinformation and division. Several prominent Catholic influencers, bloggers, and priests have been criticized for content that misrepresents Church teaching or promotes personal agendas. Below are examples of problematic content from individuals and platforms mentioned in the query, illustrating the scope of the issue: 1. Fr. David Michael Moses: A young priest with a significant following on platforms like Instagram and TikTok, Fr. Moses has garnered millions of views for his humorous and heartfelt videos. However, he faced criticism for a video titled “What Protestants Get WRONG about Mary,” which some argued oversimplified or misrepresented Catholic Mariology, potentially alienating ecumenical dialogue partners. While Fr. Moses’ intent is evangelistic, his content occasionally lacks the theological nuance required to accurately convey Church teaching, which can confuse viewers unfamiliar with Catholic doctrine.[](https://religionnews.com/2025/02/12/hes-a-young-millennial-catholic-priest-of-course-hes-a-social-media-influencer/)[](https://catholicreview.org/priest-influencer-on-evangelizing-through-humor-social-media-pitfalls-and-advice-to-gen-z/) 2. Taylor Marshall: A prominent Catholic YouTuber and author, Marshall frequently critiques Pope Francis, Vatican II, and modern liturgical practices, often promoting a traditionalist and right-wing political agenda. His content, including books and videos, has been accused of misrepresenting Catholic teaching on the liturgy and fostering a narrative that questions the legitimacy of post-Vatican II reforms. Marshall’s rhetoric sometimes veers into polarizing territory, creating a faction of Catholics who view the modern Church with suspicion, thus sowing division. (see: Sacerdotus: Critiquing Taylor R. Marshall’s Catholic Content: Misalignments with Authentic Catholic Teaching, Sacerdotus: Taylor Marshall Behind Amazon 'Pachamama' Carvings Vandalism, Sacerdotus: Racism from 'Mundabor,' Taylor Marshall & So-called 'Traditionalists' against Africans)

  3. Rorate Caeli: This traditionalist blog has been criticized for spreading misinformation about liturgical reforms, particularly regarding the Traditional Latin Mass (TLM). For instance, in 2025, Rorate Caeli published a draft liturgical policy from Bishop Michael Martin of Charlotte, which sparked controversy by alleging a diocesan ban on altar rails and kneelers. The blog’s selective reporting and framing often fuel resistance to legitimate Church authority and contribute to liturgical factionalism. He recently mocked St. Paul VI, claiming the pontiff has no cultus and that no one cared for him. His disrespect for popes and even saints shows the spiritual disease eating at his soul from within. [](https://www.pillarcatholic.com/p/sources-charlotte-bishop-shelves)[](https://www.ncregister.com/news/bishop-michael-martin-8-things-to-know)

See: (3) Rorate Caeli on X: "Pope Francis is a grave danger to the unity, liberty, and orthodoxy of the Holy Catholic Church." / X

see: (3) Rorate Caeli on X: "LOL" / X

4. TheFrancoTv: This platform has erroneously referred to the pope as the “vicar of God,” a theologically inaccurate term that misrepresents the pope’s role as the Vicar of Christ and leads to Modalism. Such errors can confuse viewers about the nature of papal authority and lead to misunderstandings about Catholic ecclesiology a Christology. (see: Sacerdotus: Is the Pope the Vicar of God? Why This Claim Is Heretical and Not Catholic Teaching) 5. Michael Lofton: A Catholic apologist and host of Reason and Theology, Lofton has been criticized for using the term “Novus Ordo” to describe the post-Vatican II Mass. This term, not officially recognized by the Church, is often employed by traditionalists to disparage the Ordinary Form of the Mass, potentially undermining the legitimacy of the Church’s liturgical reforms. Some have described him as obstinate and arrogant, refused to accept correction when presented. He had a spat with Cardinal Zen some time ago ((4) Joseph Zen on X: "I am accused of not following the “Hermenentics of continuity” when criticizing the “Fiducia supplicans”!?         I must confess that I have often wasted my time following the program “Reason and Theology” of Michael Lofton,…… https://t.co/uN9h2E6Qip" / X). (see: Sacerdotus: Michael Lofton's Gaffe: Unreasonable & Non-Theological Use of "Novus Ordo")

6. OnePeterFive: This outlet, founded by Steve Skojec, who is now an atheist/agnostic (see: Fighting the Church may lead you right out of the Church – Catholic World Report), has been accused of posting false or misleading information about the liturgy, particularly in its opposition to restrictions on the Extraordinary Form. For example, a 2024 article speculated about a Vatican crackdown on the Extraordinary Form, amplifying rumors without sufficient evidence, which fueled division among traditionalist Catholics.[](https://onepeterfive.com/banning-the-tlm-again-latest-developments/)

7. Deacon Nick Donnelly: Known for his outspoken social media presence, Deacon Donnelly has been criticized for posting content that defames Pope Francis and spreads misinformation about liturgical practices. His rhetoric often aligns with traditionalist factions, contributing to a polarized Catholic community. He was reprimanded by his bishop and was forced to shut down his blog (see: English bishop silences conservative deacon's blog | News Headlines | Catholic Culture). Despite this, he continues to post content contrary to the Catholic faith and attacks against Pope Francis, completely disobeying his bishop. 8. Michael Lewis and Where Peter Is: These platforms have been accused of promoting liberal interpretations of Church teaching that deviate from orthodoxy. Their content sometimes emphasizes progressive views on issues like gender, sexuality, and Vatican II, which can confuse Catholics seeking clear guidance aligned with the Magisterium. (see: Sacerdotus: Review of Mike Lewis and Where Peter Is: Slander, Rudeness, and a Shallow Grasp of Catholicism)

9. Father James Martin, SJ: A Jesuit priest who is progressive in his views and claims to want to build bridges between the LGBTQIA community and the Catholic community, in particular LGBTQIA Catholics who often feel marginalized in the Church. Despite this noble attempt at good shepherding, so to speak, his tactic often involves watering down the faith to appease leftists and the gay agenda. Martin has even called for the Catechism to be amended in regards to the section on Homosexuality. Instead of calling homosexuals to a life of chastity and celibacy, depending on how strong their attraction is, Martin encourages their lifestyles and behaviors.

10. Other Influencers: Beyond those named, other Catholic influencers have been criticized for speaking ill of Vatican II or the charismatic movement, both in English and Spanish-speaking nations. For example, some traditionalist bloggers denounce charismatic practices as “un-Catholic,” despite their approval by the Church, while others misrepresent Vatican II as a break from tradition rather than a development of doctrine. These narratives create factions within the Church, pitting traditionalists against progressives or charismatics. The Scandals of “Catholic Inc.” and Their Impact The dangers of unvetted Catholic content extend beyond theological errors to moral scandals that damage the Church’s reputation. Recent allegations against influencers associated with “Catholic Inc.,” a term used to describe the network of Catholic media personalities and platforms, highlight this issue. For instance: - Voice of Reason and Wretched Saint: These influencers have faced accusations of sexual misconduct, including inappropriate behavior via direct messages (DMs) and sexting. There is even an accusation of pedophilia, which remains to be confirmed but is under investigation by authorities, including Bishop Artur ((4) ♰ Roark the Integralist🇻🇦☦️ on X: "Bishop Artur is acting, VoR is going to be properly investigated and is, as of today, currently restricted from activity or involvement in Eparchy of Phoenix facilities and from Eparchy sponsored events." / X). Such scandals not only discredit the individuals involved but also harm the Church’s credibility, as these figures are often perceived as representatives of Catholic values. The lack of oversight allows such behavior to go unchecked until public exposure, causing significant harm to the faithful and the Church’s mission.[](https://www.bishop-accountability.org/news/list/) (Sacerdotus: Alex 'Voice of Reason' Jurado's Statement Amid Controversy)

These scandals underscore the need for accountability. When influencers operate without oversight, their personal failings can be amplified by their platforms, leading to widespread disillusionment among Catholics and skepticism from non-Catholics. Many times, the fame and attention can get to one's head, leading to pride, narcissism, and other antisocial behaviors that can lead to sinful and/or criminal behavior. The Role of Bishops as Guardians of the Faith Catholic bishops, as successors of the apostles, are the primary teachers of the faith and liturgists in their dioceses. According to the Second Vatican Council’s Lumen Gentium, bishops are tasked with “fostering a dynamic, open and missionary communion” and ensuring the faithful receive authentic teaching (LG 31). The Code of Canon Law further emphasizes their role in overseeing catechesis and liturgical practices (Can. 386, 838). In the digital age, this responsibility extends to online platforms, where misinformation and scandal can spread rapidly. The Church has long recognized the need to regulate published content through mechanisms like the nihil obstat (“nothing obstructs”) and imprimatur (“let it be printed”). These certifications, issued by bishops or their delegates, ensure that books and other materials are free from doctrinal error. However, no equivalent system exists for digital content, leaving a gap that allows misinformation and scandal to flourish. Without oversight, self-appointed influencers can claim magisterial authority, leading to confusion and division. The Consequences of Unregulated Content Unregulated Catholic content has several detrimental effects: 1. Confusion Among the Faithful: Misinformation about the Catechism, Church teachings, liturgy, or papal authority can lead Catholics to misunderstand core teachings, weakening their faith or leading them to adopt heterodox views. 2. Division and Factionalism: Content that promotes traditionalist, progressive, or other agendas creates “cliques” within the Church, undermining the unity called for by St. Paul in Ephesians 4:3 to “keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.”[](https://onepeterfive.com/banning-the-tlm-again-latest-developments/) 3. Harm to Evangelization: Non-Catholics encountering erroneous content may form negative perceptions of the Church, hindering evangelistic efforts. 4. Scandal and Loss of Credibility: Scandals like those involving Voice of Reason and Wretched Saint damage the Church’s moral authority, making it harder to proclaim the Gospel effectively. A Proposed Solution: A Digital Certification Program To address these challenges, bishops should establish a digital certification program to regulate Catholic content online. This program would ensure that bloggers, influencers, and clergy produce content aligned with Church teaching, free from error, bias, politics, or scandal. Below are key components of such a program: 1. Digital Missionary Courses: - Bishops could develop courses that can be taken online or in person, covering Catholic doctrine, biblical studies, liturgy, ecclesiology, apologetics, moral theology, human development, industrial psychology, and digital evangelization ethics. These courses would be mandatory for anyone seeking to produce Catholic content on and offline under the Church’s auspices. - Topics could include the Catechism, Vatican II documents, canon law, and guidelines for respectful discourse about the pope and Church hierarchy, the Bible, psychology, and how to engage others professionally, ethics, and philosophy. - Participants would need to pass assessments to demonstrate theological competency and commitment to orthodoxy. 2. Content Vetting Process: - Before posting, content creators would submit their material to a diocesan review board, which would assess it for doctrinal accuracy and alignment with Church teaching. - The board could include theologians, canon lawyers, secular lawyers, philosophers, psychologists and media experts appointed by the bishop. - Content that passes review would receive a digital seal of approval, similar to the nihil obstat and imprimatur. Any revisions to approved content would need to be resubmitted for reapproval. 3. Digital Seal of Approval: - Approved content creators could display a digital seal on their blogs, websites, or social media profiles, indicating that their content has been vetted and approved by the diocese. - This seal would assure viewers that the content is free from error and bias, fostering trust and credibility. 4. Ongoing Oversight: - Certified creators would be subject to periodic reviews to ensure continued adherence to Church teaching. - Bishops could establish a reporting mechanism for viewers to flag problematic content, allowing for swift investigation and, if necessary, revocation of certification. 5. Collaboration with Existing Platforms: - Dioceses could partner with reputable Catholic media outlets, such as EWTN, CTV, the Catholic News Service, or Word on Fire, to promote certified content and train digital missionaries.[](https://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2010/06/11/the-pope-meets-the-press-media-coverage-of-the-clergy-abuse-scandal/)[](https://thetablet.org/influencers-in-christ-catholic-content-creators-use-social-media-to-educate-and-evangelize/) - These partnerships could also provide resources for content creators, such as access to theological experts or digital marketing training. Implementation Challenges and Solutions Implementing a digital certification program would face challenges, including resistance from independent influencers, logistical constraints, and concerns about censorship. However, these can be addressed: - Resistance from Influencers: Some may view oversight as an infringement on free speech. Bishops can counter this by emphasizing that certification is necessary for those claiming to represent Catholic teaching. The Church's teachings and liturgy are the speech of the Catholic Church, not individuals. Non-certified creators could still post due to free will, but without the Church’s official endorsement which will make their content not authorize and therefore possibly full of errors, bias and other problems which will tarnish the content's reputation. - Logistical Constraints: Reviewing content across multiple platforms is resource-intensive. Dioceses could leverage technology, such as AI tools, to flag potentially problematic content for human review, reducing the burden on staff. - Censorship Concerns: To avoid perceptions of censorship, bishops should ensure the vetting process is transparent, with clear criteria based on the Catechism and magisterial documents. They can offer opportunities for the content to be edited and updated for accuracy and orthodoxy. Benefits of a Certification Program A digital certification program would yield significant benefits: 1. Doctrinal Clarity: Certified content would provide Catholics and non-Catholics with reliable, accurate teaching, reducing confusion. This information can be sourced directly from the Church's teachings. 2. Unity in the Church: By discouraging factionalism and polarizing rhetoric, the program would foster communion among the faithful. There will no longer be "traditionalists" or "progressive Catholics" and so forth. 3. Protection Against Scandal: Vetting creators’ backgrounds and content would minimize the risk of scandals like those involving Catholic Inc. influencers. 4. Enhanced Evangelization: Certified content would present a unified, credible voice for the Church, attracting those seeking authentic teaching. Conclusion The digital age offers unprecedented opportunities for evangelization, but it also poses risks when unvetted voices claim to speak for the Catholic Church. The examples of Fr. David Moses, Taylor Marshall, Rorate Caeli, TheFrancoTv, Michael Lofton, OnePeterFive, Deacon Nick Donnelly, Michael Lewis, Where Peter Is, Father James Martin, SJ, and the scandals of Catholic Inc. demonstrate the urgent need for oversight. Bishops, as the Church’s chief teachers and liturgists, are uniquely positioned to address this challenge by establishing a digital certification program modeled on the nihil obstat and imprimatur. By requiring courses, vetting content, and issuing digital seals, bishops can ensure that Catholic content online is accurate, unifying, and free from scandal. This proactive approach will safeguard the Church’s mission, protect the faithful from error, and strengthen the Church’s witness in the digital world.