After its upcoming debut was announced, rumors abounded as to which Twitter handle the Vatican would use for personal tweets from Pope Benedict XVI. Rocco Palmo suggested it might be @BenedictusPPXVI . The real address, which will be updated beginning on December 12, is @Pontifex —-an impersonal handle that popes will be able to use for centuries. Or, well, for as many years as Twitter lasts.
Already the wags are out in force. A certain Mr. Ryan Fesko seems not to understand how Twitter, or communion, works:
Nor are others doing any better:
No, Mr. Ellis, following the pope on Twitter will not get you to heaven. In fact, I believe Benedict would encourage you to follow someone else . . . what’s the name I’m looking for here?
Dear Reader,
Can I be direct with you?
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