Pope Leo XIV Begins with Peace and Posts
Pope Leo XIV has made it clear: he’s not just leading the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics—he’s also going to be a dedicated poster.
Just days after his election on May 8, the new pope deleted his old personal social media accounts. On May 13, he made his first post as pontiff on the official @Pontifex Instagram and X accounts. The post, shared in seven languages, included photos from his first few days and a message of peace.
“Peace be with you all!” he wrote. “I would like this greeting of peace to resound in your hearts, in your families, and among all people.”
The Vatican’s Dicastery for Communication confirmed that Pope Leo XIV will keep an “active social media presence” through the Church’s official accounts.
Before becoming pope, Leo XIV—then Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost—was active online. He often posted about Catholic teachings and news, and sometimes commented on politics.
Pope Leo follows a digital tradition started by Pope Benedict XVI, who sent the first papal tweet on December 12, 2012. Pope Francis expanded the online presence and posted regularly. His posts will be archived on the Holy See’s website.
Now, Pope Leo XIV begins his own chapter—using social media to spread his messages.
