You know that Web 2.0 has hit the masses when the Pope gets a YouTube channel. (Pun intended.)

I just learned in the Star Tribune that the Pope has a YouTube Channel. According to the article, “In his annual message for the World Day of Communication, [Pope] Benedict praised as a “gift to humanity” the benefits of social networking sites such as Facebook and MySpace in forging friendships and understanding.”

In a funny way it reminded me of a discussion I had with someone earlier this week about technology as a tool for advocacy. If you want to reach someone or tell a story these days, video seems to be the best way. It’s a channel that is designed to work from the bottom up as well as top down – as long as everyone has the tools to access that channel. Thanks to sites such as YouTube, the tools include skills, cameras and broadband.