Pope Benedict XVI marked today’s feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe by formally entering the global world of social media via a tweet and blessing in eight languages for his 1.3 million followers around the world. “Dear friends, I am pleased to get in touch with you through Twitter. Thank you for your generous response. I bless all of you from my heart. Benedict XVI @Pontifex”

The papal transmission and the tweet were flashed on the jumbo-screen in the Paul VI Hall to the enthusiastic applause of everyone present for the audience, including many bishops and cardinals who had also been attending the “Ecclesia in America” symposium in the Vatican.

At the end of today’s general audience in the Paul VI Hall, a table and a tablet were brought to the Holy Father for his historic 140-character message to the world, an “urbi et orbi” message and blessing in miniature. The Pope was assisted by Thaddeus “TJ” Jones of the Pontifical Council for Social Communications, Claire Díaz-Ortiz of Twitter, Mika Rabb and Andrew Jadick, two students from Villanova University working as apprentices at the council, and Mexican journalist Katia Lopez-Hodoyan.

The presence of both English and Spanish media people was to mark the just-concluded “Ecclesia in America” congress whose participants, hailing from English- and Spanish-speaking countries, were at the audience. This congress celebrated the 15th anniversary of the document by the same name written by Blessed John Paul following the synod or the Americas Pope Benedict, throughout the day, will tweet answers to three questions coming from three continents. The first two of these have been tweeted:

How can we celebrate the Year of Faith better in our daily lives?

Benedict XVI @Pontifex By speaking with Jesus in prayer, listening to what he tells you in the Gospel and looking for him in those in need. Benedict XVI @Pontifex

How can faith in Jesus be lived in a world without hope?

We can be certain that a believer is never alone. God is the solid rock upon which we build our lives and his love is always faithful.

Benedict XVI had 1.1 million followers at the start of the Wednesday audience, and amassed several hundred thousand more by mid-afternoon. At the English handle alone - @pontifex – an additional 140,000 followers were added in just a few hour.

Write to Joan at:
joansrome@ewtn.com

CLICK HERE FOR PRACTICAL INFORMATION ON VISITING THE VATICAN.

View Joan's videos at : www.youtube.com/joansrome