The Next Viral Video Star: Pope Benedict XVI

Yes,  you read correctly. I just said that Pope Benedict XVI will become a viral video star…Well, now that I think about it, let me rephrase that because he’s already a star of sorts. He’s about to blow up online.

I was not sure what to think when I saw this headline late last week: “Vatican launches Pope YouTube channel“.  As a Catholic, it’s safe to say that the church will probably never be referred to as “cutting edge” (noone would if I had my way), but this definitely shows that the Vatican is making an effort to keep up with the times. From AP:

“Pope Benedict XVI joined U.S. President Barack Obama and Queen Elizabeth II on Friday by launching his own YouTube channel, the latest Vatican effort to reach out to the digital generation…The site, http://www.youtube.com/vaticanit, was launched the same day the pontiff praised as a “gift to humanity” the benefits of social networking sites such as Facebook and MySpace in forging friendships and understanding.”

The Vatican is off to a good start with 18 videos (most viewed video: 89,314 viewers), but this has some potential to really take off.  Here’s my Gen Y PR Prescription:

Now that the online presence has been established, have some fun with it.

1. Break out the Popemobile. Why? Everyone loves the Popemobile!

2.  Get some new rims.

3. Shoot video of people learning to ghost ride the whip.

4. Disregard #2 and 3…not #1 though. Remember, everyone loves the Popemobile!

In all seriousness, social media gives many the opportunity to participate in and experience things they never would be able to otherwise.  The Vatican really could use this as a way to promote and document the Pope’s speeches and travels, and in the process, they could develop a following online.  I’m glad that they were so bold as to dip their toes in the social media waters. Maybe this will convince other, more “traditional” groups to join in as well.