Pontifex (@pontifex) Instagram screengrab
CV NEWS FEED // Just days after his historic election, Pope Leo XIV has taken to social media, launching his papal voice on X and Instagram with reflections on peace, human dignity, and the richness of Eastern Christianity.
The Vatican’s Dicastery for Communication confirmed May 13 that the Holy Father “has chosen to maintain an active social media presence through the official papal accounts on X and Instagram,” Vatican News reported.
Pope Leo’s first posts on X were inspired by his Urbi et Orbi blessing, delivered shortly after his election on May 8.
His first Instagram post featured several images from the early days of his pontificate.
Subsequent messages on X expanded Pope Leo’s focus to global conflict, reconciliation, and the spiritual legacy of Eastern Christianity.
In one post, he quoted his predecessor Pope Leo XIII: “Over a century ago, Pope Leo XIII noted that ‘the preservation of the Eastern rites is more important than is realized.’ Let us embrace the appeal to safeguard and promote the Christian East, especially in the diaspora.”
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The pope continued, praising the spiritual treasures of the Eastern churches.
Turning his attention to global unrest, Pope Leo wrote: “There is so much violence and so many wars in our world! Amid this horror that should provoke outrage — as people die in the name of military conquest — stands the call of Christ, who repeats: ‘Peace be with you!’”
Rejecting peace built on domination, he stressed that “Christ’s peace is not the silence of the tomb after a conflict, and it is not the result of subjugation. Peace is a gift that gazes at others and renews their lives. Let us pray for this peace, which is reconciliation, forgiveness, and courage to turn the page and start again.”
Reflecting the Vatican’s ongoing role in global diplomacy, Pope Leo also offered a call to dialogue and reconciliation.
His last X post contained a powerful appeal: “War is never inevitable. Weapons can and must fall silent, for they never solve problems but only intensify them. Those who sow peace will endure throughout history, not those who reap victims. Others are not enemies to hate but human beings with whom to speak.”
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