Pope Leo XIV Purges Social Media Past, Embraces Digital Papacy
The digital age has witnessed a new chapter in papal communication, as Pope Leo XIV assumes his pontificate with a strategic approach to social media. Following his election on Thursday, May 8, the newly appointed pope has embarked on a comprehensive overhaul of his online presence, signaling a shift towards a more curated and official digital persona. This move comes after scrutiny of his past social media activity, highlighting the challenges of navigating the intersection of personal expression and papal authority in the modern era.
Pope Leo XIV, formerly known as Robert Francis Prevost, wasted no time in establishing his official online presence. On Tuesday, May 13, he made his inaugural post on the official pontiff Instagram and X accounts, reaching a global audience in English, Portuguese, Spanish, Italian, French, Polish, and German. The Instagram post featured a series of images capturing the essence of his initial days as pope, offering followers a glimpse into the early stages of his papacy.
The message accompanying the photos resonated with themes of peace and unity. Peace be with you all! Leo wrote, invoking the traditional greeting of the Risen Christ, the Good Shepherd. I would like this greeting of peace to resound in your hearts, in your families, and among all people, wherever they may be, in every nation and throughout the world. This inaugural message served as an introduction to his vision for his papacy, emphasizing inclusivity and a desire for harmony among all people.
The Dicastery for Communication, the Holy Sees communication department, has confirmed Pope Leo XIVs intention to maintain an active presence on social media through the official pope accounts on X and Instagram. This decision reflects a recognition of the power of social media to connect with individuals worldwide, disseminate information, and foster dialogue on matters of faith and social concern.
However, the transition to the papacy has also involved a careful consideration of Pope Leo XIVs past online activity. Before his election, he was known to express his opinions on various social and political issues, including criticisms of prominent figures like former President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance. Notably, an X post from February surfaced, revealing his disagreement with Vice President Vances stance on immigration. JD Vance is wrong: Jesus doesnt ask us to rank our love for others, Leo wrote in the now-deleted post.
In response to the surfacing of these past posts, Pope Leo XIV has taken decisive action to manage his digital footprint. As of May 14, his old social media accounts, operating under his pre-pontiff name, Robert Francis Prevost, have been deleted. This move reflects a conscious effort to separate his personal views from his official role as the leader of the Catholic Church.
The decision to purge his personal accounts aligns with the expectations of many observers, including Margaret Susan Thompson, a history professor at Syracuse University. Speaking to USA TODAY on May 8, Thompson anticipated that the pontiff would shift his postings to the official pontiff accounts. Social media can be a minefield for divisive commentary, so I imagine he’ll use it sparingly, perhaps for simple, pastoral messages (and yes, delivered on the official pope account) like holiday greetings, but not for anything controversial, Thompson said in an email.
Thompsons analysis underscores the inherent challenges of navigating social media as a public figure, particularly one with the global influence of the pope. The potential for misinterpretation, the risk of fueling controversy, and the need to maintain a consistent message of unity and faith all necessitate a cautious and strategic approach.
The official pontiff Instagram account has already garnered a substantial following, boasting 9.6 million followers as of May 14. The X account has also attracted a significant audience, with 10,800 followers. These numbers indicate the widespread interest in Pope Leo XIVs message and his approach to engaging with the world through social media.
The popes decision to embrace social media, albeit with a more curated and official presence, reflects a broader trend of religious leaders utilizing digital platforms to connect with their followers and promote their message. Social media provides an unprecedented opportunity to reach a global audience, transcending geographical boundaries and engaging with individuals in real-time.
However, the use of social media by religious leaders also raises important questions about authenticity, transparency, and the potential for manipulation. The line between personal expression and official representation can become blurred, and the need to maintain credibility and trust is paramount.
Pope Leo XIVs approach to social media will undoubtedly be closely watched by observers both within and outside the Catholic Church. His ability to balance the opportunities and challenges of digital communication will be a key factor in shaping his legacy as a modern pope. His initial actions suggest a commitment to using social media as a tool for promoting peace, unity, and understanding, while also acknowledging the need for caution and discretion in the digital age. The coming months and years will reveal the full extent of his digital papacy and its impact on the Catholic Church and the world.
