The coronavirus pandemic has accelerated digitalization of various practices in all areas during isolation. Digital paths, integrated into reality of life, have also required rapid adjustments in religion functioning, having entered digital space with different strategies. Master's thesis focuses on digitalized functioning of Slovenian Roman Catholic priests during the COVID-19 pandemic. The aim of the thesis is to show ways how priests operate on social networks and changing religious practices and institutional positions of the church through digitalization of rituals. Theoretical part focuses on socio-political position of the church in history and concepts of mediatization of religion. Delimination of conventional and digitalized ritual and online/offline identity through Goffman dramaturgical theory is later discussed. Empirical research, using qualitative thematic analysis of semi-structured personal interviews with priests, identifies digitalized operations in practice. Research results show differences between priests in their acceptance, attitude towards social networks and willingness to exploit digital technologies. There was also a clear absence of leadership and strategy from church leadership in transition to digitalized rituals, resulting in various adjustments in priests' online activities. As a consequence of digitalized operations and the establishment of new online authorities, new hybrid practices have also emerged. Results will contribute to further research into mediatization and digitalization of religious rituals in activities of both priests and believers.
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