In an era where social media often distracts from deeper truths, one young man has harnessed its power to proclaim the Catholic faith with clarity, conviction, and a touch of humor. Randall Williams, known online as the "Iron Inquisitor," has become a leading voice in Catholic apologetics, amassing over 12 million monthly views across YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram. His bold defense of Catholicism, rooted in philosophy, theology, and personal testimony, has inspired countless followers. Recently, Randall made two life-altering announcements: he was invited to Rome for the Jubilee of Digital Missionaries and Catholic Influencers, and he has quit his job as a software engineer to enter the seminary to discern the Catholic priesthood. This 2000-word blog post explores Randall’s remarkable journey, his impact as a digital missionary, his call to the priesthood, and a biography of his life. Join us in congratulating this faithful young man and lifting him up in prayer as he embarks on this sacred path.
The Rise of the Iron Inquisitor
Randall Williams, a 26-year-old from the San Francisco Bay Area, is no ordinary social media influencer. His platform, the Iron Inquisitor, is a digital haven for those seeking answers about the Catholic faith. With content ranging from in-depth investigations like “I Investigated the Loretto Staircase Miracle” to spirited debates on sola scriptura with Protestant ministers, Randall’s videos combine theological rigor with relatable storytelling. His channel garners over 12 million views per month, a testament to his ability to connect with a generation hungry for truth in a world of fleeting trends.[](https://sfarchdiocese.org/local-catholic-software-engineer-wins-truth-and-beauty-award/)[](https://www.christendom.app/channels/ironinquisitor)
What sets Randall apart is his authenticity. In his short film Metanoia, which won a 2025 Truth and Beauty Award from Ascension Press, he contrasts the emptiness of social media “doomscrolling” with the lasting peace of returning to faith. The semi-autobiographical film depicts a young man (played by Randall) who misses a deadline due to his addiction to scrolling, only to find solace in prayer at a Marian grotto. This narrative mirrors Randall’s own journey of rediscovering Catholicism after a period of spiritual drift.[](https://sfarchdiocese.org/local-catholic-software-engineer-wins-truth-and-beauty-award/)[](https://catholicvote.org/software-engineer-wins-award-short-film-inspired-return-catholic-church/)
Randall’s content doesn’t shy away from tough topics. From confronting progressive Catholic conventions to debating Jewish rabbis and Anglican priests, he engages with charity and confidence, encouraging Catholics to defend their faith with clarity. His episode on the podcast What’s the Dill? highlights his passion for apologetics, philosophy, and evangelization, offering practical advice for Catholics navigating online challenges. As a brand ambassador for Catholic Answers, a catechist for the Diocese of San Jose, and an altar server for Archbishop Salvatore J. Cordileone, Randall lives his faith both online and offline.[](https://www.christendom.app/watch/yt_MHRWXmbJERM)[](https://www.christendom.app/watch/yt_IYbG20vgqXc)[](https://www.buzzsprout.com/1163120/episodes/16692614-ep-143-how-defending-the-catholic-faith-led-to-explosive-success)
The Jubilee of Digital Missionaries and Catholic Influencers
In July 2025, Randall’s influence reached new heights when he was invited to Rome for the Jubilee of Digital Missionaries and Catholic Influencers, a significant event during the Catholic Church’s Jubilee Year. Held on July 28–29, 2025, the gathering brought together content creators from around the world to celebrate the role of digital media in evangelization. Randall, representing the Iron Inquisitor, shared his insights on defending the Catholic faith online, offering advice to fellow creators on how to engage audiences with truth and charity.[](https://www.tiktok.com/%40fareastrandcatholicnews/video/7532743399884049670)
The event, hosted in Rome, was a milestone for Randall, who described it as a “profound honor” to be recognized among global Catholic influencers. In an interview with Fareastrandcatholicnews on TikTok, he emphasized the importance of authenticity and prayer in digital ministry, urging creators to “speak from the heart” and root their work in the Eucharist. His presence at the Jubilee underscored his growing influence and the Church’s recognition of social media as a vital tool for spreading the Gospel.[](https://www.tiktok.com/%40fareastrandcatholicnews/video/7532743399884049670)
However, the event also sparked discussions about the role of “influencers” in the Church. Some critics argue that the term “Catholic influencer” risks trivializing the sacred mission of evangelization, equating it with secular fame. While Randall’s work is deeply rooted in faith, the label “influencer” can sometimes overshadow the spiritual weight of his calling. Nevertheless, his participation in Rome highlights the Church’s embrace of digital platforms to reach a new generation, and Randall’s contributions stood out as a model of effective, faith-driven content creation.
A Bold Step: Entering the Seminary
On August 12, 2025, Randall shared a life-changing decision with his followers: he had quit his job as a software engineer to enter the seminary and discern a vocation to the Catholic priesthood. The announcement, posted on X by his friend and priest @FatherCapo, sparked an outpouring of support and prayers from his community. “I’m beyond proud of him for staying strong in body, mind, and spirit, and for being truly strong in the Lord,” Father Capo wrote.
Randall’s decision reflects a deep commitment to following God’s call, even at great personal sacrifice. Leaving a stable career in software engineering, a field where he excelled, was no small feat. Yet, as Randall shared in a recent YouTube video, his journey of defending the faith online led him to a profound encounter with Christ’s call to serve as a priest. “The more I shared the faith, the more I felt God pulling me toward something deeper,” he said. “I want to give my life to Him, to serve His people, and to bring others to the truth I’ve found.”
The decision to enter the seminary is not a guarantee of ordination but a period of discernment, typically lasting six to eight years, during which Randall will study theology, philosophy, and pastoral ministry while deepening his spiritual life. His choice resonates with many young Catholics who admire his courage to prioritize faith over worldly success. However, some skeptics question whether social media influencers can fully transition to the humility required of priesthood, given the public nature of their platforms. Randall’s transparency about his struggles with social media addiction, as depicted in Metanoia, suggests he is acutely aware of these challenges and equipped to face them with the “tools” of faith, prayer, and discipline.[](https://sfarchdiocese.org/local-catholic-software-engineer-wins-truth-and-beauty-award/)
Biography of Randall Williams
Early Life and Education
Randall Williams was born in 1999 in the San Francisco Bay Area to a devout Catholic family. Raised in San Mateo, California, he attended St. Gregory School and Junipero Serra High School, where he was exposed to Catholic teachings but admits to taking his faith for granted as a teenager. A competitive bodybuilder and gifted student, Randall excelled in academics and athletics, developing a discipline that would later define his work as the Iron Inquisitor.[](https://sfarchdiocese.org/local-catholic-software-engineer-wins-truth-and-beauty-award/)
His faith took a backseat during high school, drawn to the allure of secular culture and social media. However, a pivotal moment came during his time at the College of San Mateo, where he joined a Protestant Bible study group. “Those guys really pushed me to take my faith seriously,” Randall recalled. The experience sparked a reversion to Catholicism, as he rediscovered the depth of the Church’s teachings through study and prayer.[](https://sfarchdiocese.org/local-catholic-software-engineer-wins-truth-and-beauty-award/)[](https://www.cal-catholic.com/randall-williams-social-media-addict-comes-home/)
Randall went on to graduate from the University of Southern California with a degree in computer science, launching a successful career as a software engineer. Despite his professional success, he felt a growing call to share his faith, leading to the creation of the Iron Inquisitor platform in 2022.[](https://sfarchdiocese.org/local-catholic-software-engineer-wins-truth-and-beauty-award/)
The Iron Inquisitor
Launched on YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram, the Iron Inquisitor quickly gained traction for its bold, unapologetic defense of Catholicism. Randall’s content spans a wide range of topics, from investigating Catholic miracles to debating theological concepts like sola scriptura. His ability to engage with critics, including atheists, Protestants, and progressive Catholics, has earned him respect as a thoughtful apologist. Videos like “I Tried the Only McDonalds Inside the Vatican” blend humor with faith, while others, like “Catholic Grills Anglican Priest for 2 Hours,” showcase his intellectual rigor.[](https://www.christendom.app/channels/ironinquisitor)[](https://www.christendom.app/watch/yt_IYbG20vgqXc)[](https://www.christendom.app/channels/ironinquisitor)
Randall’s work extends beyond social media. As a catechist for the Diocese of San Jose, he teaches young Catholics the foundations of their faith. As an altar server for Archbishop Salvatore J. Cordileone, he serves at the heart of the liturgy. His role as a brand ambassador for Catholic Answers further amplifies his reach, providing resources for those seeking answers about Catholicism.[](https://sfarchdiocese.org/local-catholic-software-engineer-wins-truth-and-beauty-award/)[](https://www.cal-catholic.com/randall-williams-social-media-addict-comes-home/)
Personal Struggles and Faith
Randall is candid about his struggles with social media addiction, a theme central to Metanoia. “It’s something I continue to struggle with,” he admitted, “but now I have the tools to deal with it”. His transparency resonates with his audience, particularly young adults navigating the digital age. His reversion experience, sparked by a Protestant Bible study, highlights his openness to truth, even from unexpected sources, and his commitment to living authentically as a Catholic.[](https://sfarchdiocese.org/local-catholic-software-engineer-wins-truth-and-beauty-award/)
The Call to Priesthood
Randall’s decision to enter the seminary in 2025 marks a new chapter in his journey. While he has not publicly disclosed the specific seminary, his announcement reflects a deep discernment process, guided by prayer and spiritual direction. His work as the Iron Inquisitor has prepared him for this step, as he has already dedicated years to serving the Church through evangelization. His invitation to Rome for the Jubilee further affirmed his calling, connecting him with a global community of Catholics committed to spreading the Gospel.[](https://www.tiktok.com/%40fareastrandcatholicnews/video/7532743399884049670)
The Impact of Randall’s Work
Randall’s influence as the Iron Inquisitor extends far beyond view counts. His content has inspired countless viewers to explore Catholicism, return to the sacraments, or deepen their understanding of the faith. His Metanoia film, recognized by Ascension Press, has been praised for its raw honesty and spiritual depth, earning a place among the top Catholic content of 2025. His podcast appearances, such as on What’s the Dill?, have equipped Catholics with practical tools for defending their faith online.[](https://catholicvote.org/software-engineer-wins-award-short-film-inspired-return-catholic-church/)[](https://www.buzzsprout.com/1163120/episodes/16692614-ep-143-how-defending-the-catholic-faith-led-to-explosive-success)
However, Randall’s journey also raises questions about the intersection of faith and digital culture. Some traditional Catholics argue that social media, with its emphasis on likes and followers, can dilute the humility required for true evangelization. Randall counters this by grounding his work in prayer and the Eucharist, ensuring his platform serves Christ rather than personal ambition. His decision to enter the seminary suggests a willingness to surrender the spotlight for a life of service, a powerful testament to his priorities.
A Call for Prayers and Congratulations
Randall Williams’ decision to enter the seminary is a bold and inspiring step, reflecting a heart fully surrendered to God’s will. As he discerns the priesthood, he faces a journey of sacrifice, study, and spiritual growth. We invite our readers to join us in praying for Randall, that he may be guided by the Holy Spirit, strengthened in faith, and surrounded by a supportive community. Let us also congratulate this young man for his courage to leave a successful career and follow Christ’s call. His work as the Iron Inquisitor has already touched millions, and his potential as a priest could transform countless more lives.
To Randall, we say: Well done, faithful servant! Your journey from software engineer to digital missionary to seminarian is a powerful witness to the transformative power of faith. May God bless you abundantly as you discern His will.
Prayer for Randall Williams
Heavenly Father, we lift up Randall Williams as he enters the seminary to discern Your call to the priesthood. Grant him wisdom, courage, and perseverance. Surround him with Your love and the support of Your Church. May his journey inspire others to seek You with all their hearts. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Sources
- Archdiocese of San Francisco: “Local Catholic software engineer wins ‘Truth and Beauty Award’”[](https://sfarchdiocese.org/local-catholic-software-engineer-wins-truth-and-beauty-award/)
- California Catholic Daily: “Randall Williams, social media addict, comes home”[](https://www.cal-catholic.com/randall-williams-social-media-addict-comes-home/)
- CatholicVote: “Software engineer wins award for short film inspired by his return to the Catholic Church”[](https://catholicvote.org/software-engineer-wins-award-short-film-inspired-return-catholic-church/)
- Christendom: “Iron Inquisitor”[](https://www.christendom.app/channels/ironinquisitor)
- TikTok: “Conversación con Randall Williams sobre la fe católica”[](https://www.tiktok.com/%40fareastrandcatholicnews/video/7532743399884049670)
- What’s the Dill? Podcast: “Ep. 143 - How Defending The Catholic Faith Led To Explosive Success”[](https://www.buzzsprout.com/1163120/episodes/16692614-ep-143-how-defending-the-catholic-faith-led-to-explosive-success)
- X Post by @FatherCapo, August 12, 2025
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