VATICAN CITY, DEC. 12, 2012 (Zenit.org).- Benedict XVI sent out his first tweets today on Twitter. The Twitter account, @pontifex, which was announced Dec. 3 by the Holy See Press Office, is being used as a way for the Holy Father to communicate with the faithful and answer their questions on faith.

The Pope's first tweet, sent via iPad immediately after his weekly General Audience, thanked followers and imparted his blessing. "Dear friends, I am pleased to get in touch with you through Twitter. Thank you for your generous response. I bless all of you from my heart," the tweet stated.

Read the complete Zenit news release.

Read "Vatican Information Service" news release - "The Pope First Three Answers to Questions on Twitter">

You can follow the Diocese of Cleveland on Twitter (@DioceseofCLE) by clicking here.

You can follow the Holy Father on Twitter (@Pontifex) by clicking here.