Pope Leo XIV has officially joined Instagram as the pope, making his social media debut on Tuesday, May 13, with his very first post.

His initial post shared images from the early days of his pontificate, accompanied by a message inspired by his first public address at the Urbi et Orbi after his election on May 8.

"Peace be with you all! This is the first greeting spoken by 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," he wrote.

Remarkably, less than 24 hours after his first post, Pope Leo XIV’s Instagram account had already amassed 8.3 million followers, showing the significant reach of his message.

Pope Leo XIV has opted to stay connected with the world through active social media engagement, maintaining an official presence on both Instagram and X (formerly Twitter).

This decision was confirmed by a press release from the Dicastery for Communication on Tuesday.

The late Pope Francis had also established a notable social media presence, using platforms like Instagram and X to share excerpts from his speeches, photos from public events, and messages focused on peace, social justice, and care for creation.

These posts served as "near-daily accompaniment throughout Pope Francis' pontificate," according to the press release, and were a key part of his efforts to connect with followers globally.

Pope Francis’ posts will be preserved in a dedicated section of the Holy See’s institutional website, allowing future generations to access his teachings and reflections.

Pope Benedict XVI was the first Pope to open a social media account, sending the first papal tweet on December 12, 2012.

His pioneering step in using social media set the stage for his successors, with Pope Leo XIV now following in the footsteps of both his predecessors, embracing these platforms as tools for spreading his message to a global audience.

Pope Leo XIV will officially be inaugurated as the 267th head of the Catholic Church during a mass in St. Peter's Square, Vatican City, on Sunday, May 18.

According to The New York Times, former Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost will receive the renowned Fisherman's Ring, a large 24-karat gold band valued at $520,000 (KSh 67 million), during his swearing-in at a grand ceremony.

The ring, inscribed with his name and the image of St. Peter the Apostle, will be placed on his finger as part of a long-standing religious tradition.

Following his inauguration, Pope Leo XIV will gain access to the luxurious papal apartments in the Apostolic Palace in Rome, as well as a cliffside retreat at the Castel Gandolfo palace, a 135-acre estate on the outskirts of Rome, offering breathtaking views of Lake Albano.

Source: TUKO.co.ke