Vatican: Get time off in purgatory by following Pope on Twitter

[cali]

The Vatican is taking a modern approach to one of its oldest traditions, by offering indulgences to Twitter followers of the Pontifex's social media account.

Aware that some Catholics may not be able afford to travel to Brazil, where World Youth Day is being held from July 23-28, and perhaps also in an effort to modernize himself, Pope Francis is making this first-time offer to the faithful who follow the events in Rio de Janeiro online.

Under Catholic belief, after confessing and being absolved of sin, the indulgences granted reduce the amount of time one spends in purgatory, where one's sins are weighed after death. Under the Pope's new offer, those who follow the week's events on the Twitter feed can get a speedier transit through purgatory, hopefully on the way to heaven.

http://m.cbsnews.com/storysynopsis.rbml?pageType=world&url=http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-202_162-57594227/vatican-get-time-off-in-purgatory-by-following-pope-on-twitter/&catid=57594227

[niyad]

1. I thought for sure this was from the Onion when i first saw this.

[Arkansas Granny]

2. Color me skeptical, but I want to see the biblical reference for that.

[Enrique]

6. lol

[Bobcat]

3. Deja Vu

Where's the modern Martin Luther when you need him?

[liberal N proud]

4. I thought the Catholic church abolished Purgatory

Oh, now wait, that was Limbo they abolished.

[aristocles]

5. I'm a Cleveland Indians fan

All of my time in Purgatory has been expunged.....long ago.