
Hold onto your phone: Pope Francis has officially joined Instagram.
Just hours ago, he shared the exciting news with his nearly 9 MILLION English-speaking followers, tweeting:
I am beginning a new journey, on Instagram, to walk with you along the path of mercy and the tenderness of God.
— Pope Francis (@Pontifex) March 19, 2016
Securing the handle @franciscus, Pope Francis — or, rather, the Vatican’s social media team (yes, that exists) — posted his first snap at 7:27 AM EST and captioned it in nine languages:
“Pray for me
Rezad por mí
Pregate per me
صلوا من أجلي
Priez pour moi
Módlcie się za mnie
Rezem por mim
Betet für mich
Orate pro me”
Just a few hours later came a second photo, which was seen by 621K followers and counting. “Instagram will help recount the papacy through images, to enable all those who wish to accompany and know more about Pope Francis’ pontificate to encounter his gestures of tenderness and mercy,” Msgr. Dario E. Viganò, prefect of the Vatican’s Secretariat for Communications, explained in a statement.
The big news comes only a month after Pope Francis met with Instagram CEO Kevin Systrom in Rome. The social media mogul couldn’t help but share his excitement, captioning this photo: “Watching Pope Francis post his first photo to Instagram today was an incredible moment. @franciscus, welcome to the Instagram community! Your messages of humility, compassion and mercy will leave a lasting mark.”
Is it too much to hope for some papal #selfies showcasing the 79-year-old’s charm and #PopeLife? We hope not! He is, after all, the “Cool Pope” for a reason.
Share your favorite Instagram accounts with us by tagging @britandco.
Back in January, we introduced you to a feel-good cause to inspire your New Year's resolution: a walking challenge to help raise funds for the amazing cancer fighters at The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. I took part in the challenge with the Brit + Co team and ended up walking 105+ miles in January — it was awesome.
This spring, there's a new challenge on the horizon, The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Big Climb. The ask: On May 15, 2021, you can step up to take cancer down by committing to climb 1,311 steps, walking 3.2 miles, or doing 440 chair step-ups at home as part of the Big Climb. If you need some motivation to bring movement back into your daily routine — look no further!
As always, it's free to sign up, but climbers are encouraged to set a fundraising goal to help beat cancer. We'll be organizing another Brit + Co team to step up, and I hope you'll join us too! Keep scrolling for a peek at where I'll be completing the challenge in my Los Angeles neighborhood around the hidden Silver Lake Stairs. Happy climbing!
Never underestimate the power of an accountability buddy! I asked my in-laws, my partner, and a few friends to join me so we can keep each other motivated and accountable in completing the challenge — virtual high-fives all around! Also, my dog Fox is a great climber, too.
An aesthetically pleasing backdrop is a huge motivator for me! I'm fortunate to have all sorts of painted steps around my neighborhood to keep the challenge interesting, but you can also keep cool inside with at-home chair step-ups.
Don't forget to share your progress on social — #BigClimb!
Feel free to break the challenge up if you need to by tackling half the distance in the AM and half at sunset. Here's me 1,311 steps later and ready for a break — but, think I earned this one!
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