Pope Francis poses for selfie with young pilgrims in St Peter’s Basilica

Pope Francis showed he is well in touch with what’s popular in society today by posing for a “selfie” with young Italian pilgrims in St Peter’s Basilica, Vatican City.

The head of 1.2 billion Catholics worldwide has already amassed more than three million followers on the social networking site Twitter, with his latest offering believed to be the first ever “papal selfie”.

Around 500 teenagers had travelled from the Diocese of Piacenza and Bobbio for a pilgrimage, and shared a private audience with the pontiff.

Pope Francis was also presented a gift from his followers of a portrait of Jesus wearing a crown of thorns.

He has made a concerted effort to understand and integrate with worldwide youth since he succeeded Pope Benedict XVI.

This was demonstrated when Pope Francis attended Brazil’s World Youth Day, with tens of thousands of people greeting him as he urged young Catholics to “make disciples of all nations”.

Following his return to Vatican City from Brazil, Pope Francis Tweeted: “What an unforgettable week in Rio! Thank you, everyone. Pray for me. #Rio2013 #JMJ.”

The Pope has already charmed the masses with his informal style, simplicity and sense of humor.

Pope Francis has also being known to ring people up who have written to him asking for prayers or told him of personal tragedy.