For a man who has 9.6 million Twitter and 2.8 million Instagram followers, it comes as no surprise that Pope Francis knows a thing or two about the downfalls of social media.
Who else knows how tempting it is to crave a #nofilter moment outside the Vatican, catch a Pokemon in the halls of the Sistine Chapel or Snapchat their way through a Sunday morning service?
But one thing the Pope hasn't got time for is nuns 'wasting time' on social media.
According to a new church document titled Vultum Dei Quaerere ('Seeking the Face of God'), the Pontiff took the opportunity to stomp down on sisters' tweeting antics.
'In our society, the digital culture has a decisive influence in shaping our thoughts and the way we relate to the world and, in particular, to other people.
'Contemplative communities are not immune from this cultural climate. Clearly, these media can prove helpful for formation and communication,' he said.
He added: 'At the same time, I urge a prudent discernment aimed at ensuring that they remain truly at the service of formation to contemplative life and necessary communication, and do not become occasions for wasting time or escaping from the demands of fraternal life in community. Nor should they prove harmful for your vocation or become an obstacle to your life wholly dedicated to contemplation.'
Right, come on own up. Which nun has been Tweeting during the Pope's speeches?
Regardless, a savvy group of social media sisters are pointing out they're able to both tweet and fulfill their religious duties.
Sister Catherine Wybourne (otherwise known as Digitalnun) is a Benedictine nun from Holy Trinity Monastery in Herefordshire, England with 17,000 followers an posted a blog post to say:
'When it comes to wasting time online, I think we all know the difference between a creative use of the internet/Social Media and what I'd call sheer consumerism.'
You go, sister.
Katie O'Malley is the Site Director on ELLE UK. On a daily basis you’ll find Katie managing all digital workflow, editing site, video and newsletter content, liaising with commercial and sales teams on new partnerships and deals (eg Nike, Tiffany & Co., Cartier etc), implementing new digital strategies and compiling in-depth data traffic, SEO and ecomm reports. In addition to appearing on the radio and on TV, as well as interviewing everyone from Oprah Winfrey to Rishi Sunak PM, Katie enjoys writing about lifestyle, culture, wellness, fitness, fashion, and more.
