PORTLAND — Following the lead of Pope Francis and Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, Bishop Robert P. Deeley has officially joined Twitter: @BishopDeeley. The bishop’s tweets will include reflections on prayer and scripture; tales, pictures and videos from his travels around Maine; quotes from his homilies; and responses to questions from followers.

Deeley’s new Twitter page is part of a wider effort to enhance the diocese’s online presence, including Diocese of Portland Facebook and Twitter pages, and a new website at www.portlanddiocese.org.

“Joining Twitter, contributing to our Facebook page and participating on other online platforms gives me the opportunity to share the Good News with people who visit the digital environment as part of their daily life,” said Bishop Deeley. “Social networks allow leaders in the church to interact with Catholics and explain our faith and experiences to new audiences. This will hopefully promote a more personal and active dialogue with the people in Maine.”

Pope Francis, who has over four million followers on Twitter, has encouraged church leaders around the world to engage with online audiences.

“The Internet offers immense possibilities for encounter and solidarity,” Pope Francis said. “This is something truly good, a gift from God. It is not enough to be passersby on the digital highways, simply ‘connected’; connections need to grow into true encounters.”

Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan, the archbishop of New York, believes that social media can also assist in bringing lapsed Catholics back. “Some people in the church have thought social communication is bad and evil, but these things can be used in a beautiful way to bring more people to Jesus. We have to refresh and rekindle that faith.”

Bishop Deeley has tweeted about last weekend’s Blue Mass in Lewiston, the importance of Maine Catholic Schools and the mission of Catholic Charities Maine since joining Twitter with a welcome tweet announcing that it is “great to be aboard.”

For more information, contact Dave Guthro, communications director for the Diocese of Portland, at 207-321-7810 or at [email protected].