Pope Francis I has taken over the @pontifex Twitter account, tweeting for the first time to ask for followers’ prayers.
The Pope thanked followers, and asked for their on-going support as he begins his papacy, which is set to be rife with challenges.
Dear friends, I thank you from my heart and I ask you to continue to pray for me.Pope Francis.
— Pope Francis (@Pontifex) March 17, 2013
The message has already been retweeted more than 30,000 times as Twitter users respond enthusiastically to the second tweeting Pope in history.
The cardinals have also returned to Twitter following their communications ban while the conclave was taking place. During the papal selection process the cardinals were locked inside the Vatican, where signal blocking devices were installed prior to the start of the conclave to prevent cardinals from leaking information, and to protect the decision process from eavesdroppers.
Prolific Tweeter and blogger Cardinal Dolan has also returned to social media in full force, tweeting links to his conclave related blog posts, and telling followers he wishes he was permitted to share and reflect on the election process which resulted in Pope Francis’ selection.
I wish I could take some time to reflect and write out what I experienced in the conclave. But then we’d have to burn it!
— Cardinal Dolan (@CardinalDolan) March 15, 2013
Viva il Papa Francesco! Let me share with you my latest blog post from Rome.blog.archny.org/index.php/viva…
— Cardinal Dolan (@CardinalDolan) March 14, 2013
