Carlos Sáenz-Torralba finds Andalusian Church entities rarely engage in digital dialogue

A doctoral thesis defended by Carlos Sáenz-Torralba at the University of Seville on October 9 shows that only 3.7% of Catholic Church entities in Andalusia respond to comments and messages on social media. The research, titled "Institutional communication trends in digital environments of the Catholic Church in Andalusia," describes an incomplete digital transition.

Sáenz-Torralba found that while most Church entities in the region have opened digital channels, they primarily use them to broadcast their own agendas. The study notes these channels often lack professional management and fail to foster dialogue with followers. Sáenz-Torralba stated that the Church publishes information but rarely listens, which he described as a paradox given the institution's long-standing emphasis on dialogue and encounter as essential parts of communication.

The research combined interviews with diocesan delegates and experts, a questionnaire sent to 215 entities, and an analysis of their websites and social media profiles.