Move over, influencers, there’s a new record-breaking figure on X. Pope Leo XIV made his official debut on the platform on Wednesday, and within just 24 hours, his account skyrocketed to over 18 million followers.
The historic surge has sparked speculation: Could this be the fastest-growing account in X’s history? Whether it’s faithful Catholics, curious onlookers, or digital strategists analysing the Vatican’s social media playbook, one thing is clear—the world is watching.
After joining, he posted his first official message of peace on Instagram, which has now amassed 12 million followers. This marks the continuation of the Church’s tradition of digital outreach.
Published just days after his election, his post quoted directly from his Urbi et Orbi address and featured several images from his first moments as pontiff.
According to the Vatican, the launch reflects his intention to remain actively engaged with the faithful across digital platforms.
“Peace be with you all! These were the first words spoken by the Risen Christ, the Good Shepherd,” wrote Pope Leo in his first post. “I would like this greeting of peace to resound in your hearts, in your families and among all people, wherever they may be, in every nation and throughout the world.”
The @Pontifex account on X (formerly Twitter) will continue to serve as the Pope’s official online voice, reaching millions of followers across nine languages. On Instagram, the new handle will be @Pontifex – Pope Leo XIV, while the previous @Franciscus account of Pope Francis will be preserved as a commemorative archive.
The Holy See first embraced social media under Pope Benedict XVI, who sent the inaugural papal tweet in 2012.
“Dear friends, I am pleased to get in touch with you through Twitter. Thank you for your generous response. I bless all of you from my heart,” wrote the German-born Pope.
Pope Francis built on this, using Instagram and X extensively throughout his papacy.
His 140-character tweet opened the door for the Holy See to embrace the contemporary form of social communication.
Upon his election as the 266th pontiff, Pope Francis used the same Twitter account, sending his first tweet: “Dear friends, I thank you from my heart and ask you to continue to pray for me.”
In 2020 alone, his digital content received over 27 billion views, thanks to his near-daily posts sharing messages about peace, justice, and care for the environment.
According to the Dicastery for Communication, content from Pope Francis’s papacy, including around 50,000 posts, will be preserved in a special archive at Vatican.va.
As Pope Leo XIV takes up the digital mantle, his online presence could influence how the Church communicates with younger generations. By quoting his first public blessing and centring his message on peace, the new pope signals continuity with his predecessors while also inviting fresh global engagement.
