“Build inner castle”: Nigerian Catholic Bishop Urges Christians to Withstand AI, Social Media Pressures

In brief

Bishop Emmanuel Adetoyese Badejo of the Catholic Diocese of Oyo urged Christians to strengthen their spiritual lives to resist the pressures of social media and artificial intelligence. Speaking during a homily at the 2026 Second Plenary Assembly of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria in the Catholic Diocese of Osogbo on September 12, he advised believers to build an inner castle to remain firm when technology attempts to shake their faith.

Bishop Badejo warned that while technology changes the world, it can leave human beings stranded if it weakens their relationship with God. He connected the biblical warning against idolatry to the excessive or inappropriate use of digital tools, noting that technology can become an idol when it takes the place of God or harms connections with others. He described idolatry as the abuse, misuse, overuse, or underuse of any resource.

The bishop's remarks followed discussions among Nigerian Catholic priests regarding the responsible use of social media. He reminded the faithful that they belong to Christ and are called to live according to his teachings while remaining united as one body.