In an attempt to keep up with the times, The Vatican will be marrying one of the oldest traditions in the world with social media by offering “indulgences”—a special act that is said to reduce time in purgatory—on Twitter.
According to Mashable, it reported that the Pope normally offers “indulgences to those who see him in person, but for the first time this year, it will extend to virtual visits, too”.
This inclusion was made as the Pope prepares to visit Brazil for ‘World Youth Day’.
Catholics who are unable to fly to Brazil will be able to follow the “rites and pious exercises” of the Pope online.
“For social followers who have previously confessed their sins, have been absolved by the priest and have attended mass, they can follow along live through the social networking site and receive that special forgiveness. Users must follow the events live to participate,” wrote Mashable.
However, it turns out that following the Pope isn’t enough to shave off those years in Purgatory.
Monsignor Claudio Maria Celli, the president of the Pontifical Council for Social Communication said, “It’s not enough just to watch a Mass online or follow Pope Francis via live streaming on your iPad or by connecting to Pope2You.net.”
“These are just devices. What really counts is that the tweets that the Pope will send from Brazil or the photos from World Youth Day produce genuine spiritual fruit in the heart of the person.”
[via Mashable and Guardian]