When Pope Leo XIV stepped onto the Vatican balcony on May 8, he wasn’t alone—millions were virtually present. His debut as the first American pope instantly lit up social media platforms around the globe.
Much like how Barack Obama used digital platforms to connect with voters in 2009, Pope Leo understands the power of the internet to rapidly spread ideas—be it memes or messages of peace.
The 69-year-old Chicago native, Robert Francis Prevost, is no stranger to pop culture. Villanova alum, likely familiar with the Cubs vs. White Sox rivalry, and maybe even NBA debates, he’s a man of his times. Reddit’s r/Catholicism even joked about his style, calling it “cubicle worker drip” from a 2004 photo.
Before ascending to the papacy, he reportedly ran a now-deleted X (Twitter) account, @drprevost, which mostly shared religious articles and Church news. While the Vatican hasn’t confirmed its authenticity, screenshots reveal a clear voice engaged in theological dialogue and contemporary issues. That role now transitions to @Pontifex, with 18.7 million followers.
His Instagram presence is equally impactful—amassing 13.8 million followers and surpassing his predecessor, Pope Francis. He’s using this platform to deliver timely messages of hope, justice, and concern about AI.
In his inaugural address, he drew parallels between AI’s rise and the Industrial Revolution, warning that unchecked tech could harm human dignity and labor. His namesake, Pope Leo XIII, had fought for workers’ rights—he aims to do the same in the AI age.
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