health
February 17, 2026
A binge and a prayer: Italian monks told to avoid Netflix and social media
Prior of hermitage says digital technologies are designed to be addictive and present ‘challenge for monastic life’
TL;DR
- The prior of the Camaldoli hermitage in Tuscany has instructed monks to avoid social media and streaming services.
- Father Matteo Ferrari stated that monastic rooms are sacred spaces for prayer, not for platforms like Netflix.
- He believes digital technologies are intentionally designed to create addiction.
- Ferrari argues that engaging with social media and online films presents a challenge to monastic and religious life.
- The hermitage, founded in the 11th century, is home to nine monks dedicated to prayer, sacred reading, contemplation, and meditation.
- Ferrari previously wrote a letter on Facebook addressing this issue, aiming to invite monks to meditate on the pervasive theme of digital engagement.
- His comments follow Pope Francis's 2022 remarks urging seminarians to use social media cautiously due to potential dangers like digital pornography.
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