Pope Francis now has Instagram account

VATICAN CITY -- Pope Francis expanded his presence on social media with an Instagram account.

The pontiff, who has more than 26 million followers on Twitter, made his debut Saturday on Instagram, a photo-sharing site.

On the eve of the launch, a Vatican communications official, Monsignor Dario Vigano, told Vatican Radio the pope believes images can reveal many things.

Vigano also said the Instagram account will allow people to share the pope's "gestures of tenderness and mercy."

The pope's account will use the name @Franciscus, his name in Latin.