Noted on Twitter: First tweets from Pope Francis @Pontifex

Pope Francis reached out to faithful for the first time on Twitter on the eve of his inauguration mass and, then again, after his inauguration was complete on Tuesday.

He’s the second pope to use the social media messaging service, after Pope Benedict XVI began using Twitter in an effort to better connect with Catholics.

For the record, here’s what Pope Francis said:

Dear friends, I thank you from my heart and I ask you to continue to pray for me.Pope Francis.

— Pope Francis (@Pontifex) March 17, 2013

Let us keep a place for Christ in our lives, let us care for one another and let us be loving custodians of creation.

— Pope Francis (@Pontifex) March 19, 2013

True power is service.The Pope must serve all people, especially the poor, the weak, the vulnerable.

— Pope Francis (@Pontifex) March 19, 2013