Before/After Of Pope Announcement Shows Incredible Proliferation Of Mobile In Just 8 Years

Now, it isn't as if the people outside of the Vatican in 2005 didn't have gadgets on them. Many were taking photos with cameras and certainly more had cell phones with them than is shown in the image. However, the 2013 photo shows the surge of mobile devices and how capturing key moments in life digitally has become increasingly important, not only for personal memories but sharing through social media. This is happening at many events around the world as well, as many who attend music concerts have experienced.

At a celebration for a tradition that extends back nearly two millennia, the rapid proliferation of technology into everyday society is visually striking and telling.