Notizie.it editorial team A surprising debut
With a simple greeting, “Peace be with all of you!”, Pope Leo XIV made his triumphal entry on Instagram, amassing over 12,7 million followers in just a few hours. This event marks a significant moment not only for the pontiff, but also for the Catholic Church, which continues to explore new ways of communicating with the faithful.
The Vatican's use of social media is nothing new; Benedict XVI had already paved the way in 2012 with his Twitter profile, while Pope Francis has been able to make the most of these platforms, becoming famous for his selfies and direct interactions with followers.
A connection message
Pope Leo XIV’s message is not just a greeting, but an invitation to reflect on the importance of listening and peace. “Learning to listen helps peace,” Bergoglio said, underlining the crucial role of communication in the contemporary world. The Church, through its growing presence on social media, seeks to remain relevant in an era in which technology plays a predominant role in people’s lives. With 52 million followers already on the Pontifex profile, the Vatican shows that it wants to embrace change, while maintaining a strong bond with traditional values.
The Vatican’s presence on social media is a clear sign of how the Church is trying to adapt to modern times. The use of platforms such as Instagram and Twitter allows it to reach a wider audience, especially young people, who are increasingly connected. However, the Vatican is aware of the risks associated with excessive use of technology. Pope Francis has often warned about the dangers of smartphone and social media addiction, urging the faithful to find a balance between digital and real life. The challenge for the Church will be to use these tools to promote messages of love and unity, without falling into the trap of superficiality.