When you see the Pope (or any world leader) speaking, at least you know the words are coming out of his own mouth, even if he may not have written it all himself.

I do wonder though how much of a role the Pope had in sending the papal SMSs last week.

• Tue 15 July — Young friend, God & his people expect much from u, because u have within u the Father’s supreme gift: the Spirit of Jesus - BXVI
• Wed 16 July –The Holy Spirit gave the Apostles & gives u the power boldly 2 proclaim that Christ is risen! - BXVI
• Thu 17 July — The Holy Spirit is the principal agent of salvation history: let him write your life-history 2! - BXVI
• Fri 18 July — The Spirit impels us 4ward 2wards others; the fire of his love makes us missionaries of God’s charity. C u tomorrow nite - BXVI
• Sat 19 July — Dear friend, u must be holy & u must be missionary: never separate holiness from mission - BXVI
• Sun 20 July — Young friend, the Spirit is calling u 2 be a bearer of the good news of Jesus 2 your generation - BXVI

Obviously they’re aimed at the young pilgrims who were here for World Youth Dayweek. And fair enough that any organisation wanting to reach its audience should use the latest technology.

But I have some trouble imagining his holiness whipping out the mobile from under his robes, thumbs ablur, furiously texting “C u tomorrow nite”, before comparing ring-tones with his bishops.