From the crowds outside the Pope’s balcony who were taking his picture with cell phones and iPads to the millions of people tweeting and posting comments on his election, this papal election was a new media event.
Category: social media
160 Posts
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Social Media Brings the Conclave to the People
The conclave to elect the next Pope has begun. The College of Cardinals has assembled in the Sistene Chapel for their first vote. One of the unique aspects to this conclave is the activity on social media which is fully engaged in following the age-old, traditional process of selecting a pope.
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@Pontifex Twitter Account Suspended For Now
We have no Pope. The Chair of St. Peter is empty. On February 28, Pope Benedict XVI concluded his ministry as our Holy Father. He left his position of power and responsibility with humility and grace. He promised to give the rest of his life to prayer and solitude on behalf of the Church. The Cardinals will elect his successor in the coming weeks.
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Breaking News About Pope’s Resignation Takes Us All by Surprise
When I heard “Breaking News: Pope Benedict is resigning effective February 28,” I was stunned as was most of the world. The Pope made his announcement to a gathering of Vatican Cardinals in Rome on February 11 and it was confirmed by the Vatican Press Office. Because of the time of the announcement, morning newspapers in the U.S. did not have the story, but they quickly posted brief online reports…
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The Pope App Is Here
Last week was a good week for Catholic social media enthusiasts. On Wednesday, January 23, the Pontifical Council on Social Communications, released The Pope App for iPhones and iPads. The Android version will be ready in about a month. On Thursday, January 24, the Vatican published Pope Benedict’s Message for the 47th World Communications Day, “Social Networks: Portals of Truth and Faith; New Spaces for Evangelization.” The Vatican traditionally publishes this…
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Theology of Social Media
In his 1999 Exhortation, Ecclesia in America, John Paul II wrote: “I urgently desire to encourage all the members of God’s People, particularly those living in America – where I first appealed for a commitment ” new in its ardor, methods and expression” – to take up this project [the new evangelization] and to cooperate in carrying it out.”