Diocese of Venice Shares News of New Pope Via Facebook

"Habemus Papam," were the two Latin words that said it all for Catholics in Sarasota Tuesday.

Translated as "We have a pope," the words were conveyed to Facebook followers of the Diocese of Venice Wednesday upon the announcement that Pope Francis has ascened as the new Roman Catholic leader.

"Blessed be our Lord God!" replied Linda 'Lyn' White-Shoal.

"Thanks be to God!" said Lois Shaffer-Becker.

The Diocese of Venice, at 1000 Pinebrook Rd., Venice, is a diocese of the Roman Catholic Church, served by the Most Reverend Bishop Frank J. Dewane.

But social media was the tool for this well-established and highly respected Catholic institution in Florida to deliver the good news when white smoke poured forth from the Vatican in Rome Wednesday afternoon.

The Diocese of Venice had kept followers informed about the conclave via its Facebook Page, stating early Wednesday: "We will be updating you as much as possible through our Facebook page. So stay tuned!"

The Diocese pointed Facebook followers to Catholic media outlets that were covering the conclave and election of the new pope.

"I am not at the TV to catch it all. Blessings," said Nancy Ross Great, expressing her thanks for the updates.