The Pope Leo XIV surprised the world by posting for the first time on the social media platforms X and Instagram, using the Vatican's official accounts to send a message of peace and reconciliation, with a distinct spiritual and social tone.
The digital emergence of the new Pontiff marks a shift in the communication style of the Vatican, as it embraces an active and direct presence on social media, as confirmed by the Dicastery for Communication in a press release.
"Peace be with you all! This is the first greeting from the risen Christ, the Good Shepherd. I also wish for this greeting of peace to enter your hearts, reach your families, all people, wherever they are, all nations, all the earth," he wrote in his first post.
Messages with a strong pacifist tone
Shortly thereafter, the Pope published a second message on X, with a strong emphasis on denouncing armed conflicts and the need for humanitarian dialogue: “War is never inevitable; weapons can and must fall silent, as they do not solve problems but rather exacerbate them; because history will remember those who sow peace, not those who harvest victims; because others are not enemies to be hated, but human beings to engage with.”
The messages were also shared on Instagram, accompanied by images of the Pope and symbolic moments from the Jubilee of Hope, the central ecclesial event of this year in Rome.
“Christ has risen. He has truly risen! It is beautiful to see you here precisely for the Jubilee of hope, of which the resurrection of Jesus is the indestructible foundation. Welcome to Rome!” he expressed in his second post on Instagram.
A digital pope with strong stances
Before being chosen as the successor to Francis, the then-cardinal Robert Prevost had already occasionally used the social network X, although his account had remained inactive since July 2023.
However, this year she used it again to criticize the immigration policies of the Trump administration and the comments of Vice President JD Vance, who had expressed disagreements with Pope Francis regarding the rights of migrants.
These backgrounds portray León XIV as a leader ready to engage in current social and political debates, albeit from a pastoral perspective, with a strong emphasis on human dignity and world peace.
Direct communication from the Vatican
With this move, the Vatican aims to consolidate a new communication strategy that is closer, more immediate, and with greater global reach. The followers on both platforms increased significantly following the Pope's initial posts, suggesting high expectations for his leadership and style.
The Pope's foray into social media is not a symbolic gesture, but the beginning of a phase where the papal voice will compete for attention and relevance in the digital realm, at a time when media noise and political divisions threaten to drown out messages of unity.
Frequently asked questions about Pope Leo XIV and his foray into social media
What was the initial message from Pope Leo XIV on his social media?
Pope Leo XIV published a message of peace and reconciliation for the first time on social media platforms X and Instagram. The message read: "Peace be with all of you! This is the first greeting of the risen Christ, the Good Shepherd." This gesture marks the beginning of a more direct communication strategy from the Vatican.
What topics did Pope Leo XIV address in his first messages on X?
Pope Leo XIV focused on world peace and the condemnation of armed conflicts. In his second message, he emphasized that war is never inevitable and that weapons must be silenced, promoting humanitarian dialogue and peace as a true solution to the world's problems.
How has the public reacted to Pope Leo XIV's foray into social media?
The appearance of Pope Leo XIV on social media has been well received, resulting in a significant increase in followers on both platforms. The high expectations for his leadership and style are reflected in the growth of followers, indicating interest in his messages and his communicative approach.
What is Pope Leo XIV's position on current international conflicts?
Pope Leo XIV has firmly expressed his opposition to armed conflicts, including the war in Ukraine and Gaza. He has called for an immediate cessation of hostilities, humanitarian support for the affected populations, and a dialogue that leads to true and lasting peace.
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