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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
World
Aidan Moir

How Francis used social media to craft his image as the ‘People’s Pope’

Pope Francis Saint Francis of Assisi United States Rolling Stone Princess Diana the Catholic Church

From papal selfies to the viral generative AI images featuring a stylish puffer jacket, Pope Francis became a prominent popular culture figure during his papacy.

News media called him the “People’s Pope”, branding that also circulated online on social media to turn Pope Francis into an icon who symbolised the progressive ideals of 2010s popular culture.

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