Pope Steps Down Today, His Twitter Account Closes

In Vatican City, Italy at 8 p.m. (2 p.m. EST), the Holy Father Pope Benedict XVI will step down as Pope, triggering the process of the election of a new Pope.

Blessed Trinity Catholic High School thanked him on its Facebook page:

“By humble and faithful prayer, the soul acquires, with time and perseverance, every virtue.”
(Saint Catherine of Siena)

Today Pope Benedict XVI resigns to dedicate his life to prayer. As we pray for him during this transition, may we also thank him for his humble service until now and in the future.

Similarly, Queen of Angels also posted a public prayer for the resigning Pope on their Facebook page:

Prayer for Pope Benedict XVI
O God, true shepherd of all the faithful,
look with kindness on your servant Pope Benedict XVI,
whom you set as head and shepherd of Your Church.

We give you thanks for your grace at work in him
as he had led us by word and example:
in his teaching, in his prayer and in his great love.

Grant him your strength in frailty, comfort in sorrow,
and serenity amid the trials of this world;
and guide your Church, built on the rock of Peter,
with the power of your Spirit as we continue on the path that leads to you.
Through Christ our Lord.

One of the many changes that will occur when the Pope leaves his position is his Twitter account. The Huffington Post reports, the social media account will be shut down.

The article states the following:

Msgr. Paul Tighe, who works in the Pope's social communications office, clarifies to Vatican Radio that the account will be inactive for now and that "@pontifex will be available for use by the next Pope as he may wish."

The Pope's first tweet was posted on Dec. 12, 2012 and as of this writing he has posted a total of 39, with the latest stating:

Thank you for your love and support. May you always experience the joy that comes from putting Christ at the centre of your lives.

The Pope's account has more than 1.6 million followers, he in turn follows only eight other accounts.