Setting a record for sacred #selfies

Past popes have set a variety of records, but Pope Francis seems sure to be setting the record for papal selfies.

Pope Francis poses with South Korean journalist Jung Ae Ko of Joongang Ilbo newspaper. (CNS/Paul Haring)

Even aboard the papal flight to Seoul, South Korea, in mid-August, Pope Francis posed for selfies with some of the Vatican press corps.

To be fair, the technology for selfies was not as prevalent for past popes. But then again, air travel was not as prevalent as when St. John Paul II set a record for papal travels.

A selfie after youth luncheon at the major seminary in Daejeon, South Korea, Aug. 15. (CNS/L’Osservatore Romano, pool)

But can you imagine not only eating lunch with Pope Francis, but posing for a photo with him afterward?

Selfies are not a new phenomenon for this pope. People are glad to be seen with him, even if it means just catching a shot as he drives through St. Peter’s Square in the popemobile.

A man takes a selfie of himself and Pope Francis as the pope arrives for his general audience in St. Peter’s Square Jan. 22. (CNS/Paul Haring)