It's always sad to see people begging for Facebook friends or Twitter followers. But it's surprising, hard to believe, and even a little surreal when that person is the Pope!

According to British newspaper The Guardian, the Vatican is urging people to follow the Pope during a week-long event in Rio de Janeiro called Catholic World Youth Day.  It runs from July 23rd to July 28th, and I'm really not sure why it's not called Catholic World Youth Week instead, but I digress.

According to the Vatican, if you follow Pope Francis during that time frame via his Twitter account, you will receive what is called "indulgences."  In the Catholic doctrine, an indulgence reduces the time you spend in purgatory before going to Heaven.  That being said, the Catholics also believe that you can't go from purgatory to hell.  So, if you end up in purgatory you will end up in Heaven... eventually.

Basically, if you follow the Pope on Twitter, he will fast-track your way into Heaven!  You can get to Pope Francis' Twitter account here.

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