Pope Francis

Pope Francis, the Secular Media and Social Media

November 26, 2013Sr. Susan Wolf, SND

Pope Francis has been Pope since March 19, 2013, and already has captured the attention of the secular media big time. He is often in the national news. Reporters cannot get enough of him. Sometimes, their interpretation of what he says can be slightly off, but in the video below, Lino Rulli, host of “The Catholic Guy” heard across North America on SiriusXM Satellite Radio, explains why he thinks that is less important than the fact that their reporting is positive and upbeat. Do you agree?

In the 14th Annual review of words in English on the Internet, conducted by Global Language Monitor, a Texas-based company that tracks top talkers on the web, Pope Francis turns out to be the most popular person on the Internet and @Pontifex is fourth most popular word in 2013. Here’s a summary of the report from RomeReports.com.

Daniel Burke, CNN Belief Blog Co-editor, reported on November 7, following the picture of Pope Francis embracing the disfigured man going viral, that Catholics are not the only ones praising Pope Francis. Many atheists are deeply touched by his humanity and compassion and expressing their affection for him on Twitter.

This is all quite amazing. What do you make of it?

Photo from Church of England and Wales via Flickr. Some rights reserved.

Comments (6)

Teri

November 26, 2013 at 8:16 am

Thanks for the videos! It’s great to keep up with the the positive impact of Pope Francis. I will share with our fans on Facebook!
Sr. Angela Ann

November 26, 2013 at 9:22 am

Thanks for your message! I always enjoy receiving them. Yes, there is no doubt that we are experiencing a ‘fresh perspective’ on the Church today! I wonder how long it can last?
Dion

November 26, 2013 at 11:27 am

Susan,
Thanks so much as always. I love your blog. Did you happen to read about Francis’ first Apostolic Exhortation, “Evangelii Gaudium,” The Joy of the Gospel. I just skimmed it but I am so impressed with the wide-range scope of challenges he is presenting to us. HE is a tsunami of the Spirit. Thanks much.
Dion
Digna Vela

November 26, 2013 at 12:56 pm

Thanks, excellent news about our pope’s popularity, and positive responses by people across the globe.
Trish Wolf ofs

November 27, 2013 at 5:46 am

Thank you, I love your blog. I spoke to a friend last night who I haven’t been in touch with for a while and is not a Catholic. She is so excited about Pope Francis! She said, “I really like this guy!” So his appeal is not only invigorating us Catholics, but bringing people back to the Church, and creating interest everywhere. My hope and prayer is that when people venture in to our local parishes we are there with the same enthusiasm and fire of the Holy Spirit that Pope Francis exhibits!
Sr. Susan Wolf, SND

November 27, 2013 at 8:32 am

Good to hear from all of you! Pope Francis’ Apostolic Exhortation “The Joy of the Gospel” released yesterday is a very positive and energetic vision for the future. It, too, is getting a lot of press and TV time. We must pray for the courage and creativity to follow his lead.