Pope sparks Filipino social media frenzy

Women look at the social media websites of Pope Francis at the media centre set up in Manila, January 14, 2015

Manila (AFP) - Millions of Filipinos are planning to endure crushing crowds, security threats and stormy weather to get close to Pope Francis, but many others feel they have a better way -- via social media.

The pontiff may be 78 but he is one of the world's most cyber-savvy leaders, and he has ignited a social media frenzy in the majority Catholic Philippines ahead of his five-day visit beginning Thursday.