The Violence in Peruvian Fundamentalist Catholic Discourse: Case Studies on X (Twitter)

Abstract

Research into the impact of the X network (previously known as “Twitter”) on the dissemination of ideas and political perspectives has surged in recent years. These studies provide crucial insights into the mobilization of public opinion, particularly within specific contexts of sociopolitical conflicts. In many cases, there is a marked polarization that is encouraged in the opinions of people who manage to have an impact on their publications. Recent political polarization in Peru has also resulted in protests. The last one experienced a high degree of violence in December 2022 and January 2023, which prompted a series of tweets from practicing Catholics whose public profiles coincided with publications that had a violent tone, even endorsing the use of weapons. The visibility of Peruvian practicing Catholics on X (formerly Twitter) gives the impression that the typical Catholic does not see conflicts between the practice of a faith, whose fundamental message rests in urging forgiveness and peace, and encouragement to violence.