Tech | May 07, 2008 | 12 comments

The Pope goes digital

source: http://uk.reuters.com/article/topNews/idUKSYD19071020080507?feedType=RSS&feedName=topNews

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"Pope Benedict will text message thousands of young Catholics on their mobile phones during World Youth Day in Sydney in July, hoping going digital will help him connect better with a younger audience.

The Pope will text daily messages of inspiration and hope during the six-day Sydney event while digital prayer walls will be erected at event sites and the church will set up a Catholic social networking Web site akin to a Catholic Facebook.

The Catholic Church said it decided to use technology to connect to the estimated 225,000 young Catholics expected to attend the World Youth Day (WYD) celebrations that start on July 15.

"We wanted to make WYD08 a unique experience by using new ways to connect with today's tech-savvy youth," Bishop Anthony Fisher said in a statement on Wednesday.

Australian telecoms firm Telstra will provide voice, data, mobile, broadband and broadcast services for the event, as well as erect digital prayer walls at event sites. Telstra said it plans to connect 8,000 volunteers, 2,000 clergy, 3,000 media and an anticipated 225,000 pilgrims to more than 700 locations around Sydney."
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12 comments // The Pope goes digital

  • MTBSMYTH
    • 0
      MTBSMYTH  

    • That world youth day is good craic... i went to the last one in cologne and i met loads of really good mates.. i went more for the adventure and not the real holy side of it.. i did do the pilgrimage to the popes dome in the field.. but still i brought a case of beer!... i had the best of craic and i will never forget it!...

      lifterbaron and nfrance.. wise up everyone has an opinion.. get over it

    • 3 years ago
  • lifterbaron
    • 0
      lifterbaron  

    • The only reason I would be a fool is to continue to discuss this with a person like you. I'd be more than happy to take that risk in order to make you have an ounce of doubt in your own words. First, I have said nothing about catholicism. I separate a man from the belief, just as I do a man's actions from his fellowship. You consider this hate speech, because your system of beliefs teaches you to disagree with anyone that doesn't not agree with you.. (if you arent on my side your on the wrong side mentality). Second, I understand why people defend their beliefs... most people couldnt live a good life without being told how to do it. Some like that crutch.. Me no. And I especially will not believe in a twisted old man sworn into a all seeing all knowing cult, who believes he is the most holy person on Earth and can speak with god.. ? Terrible and silly, ironic, deceitful, hypocritical and arrogant.

      Here is an interesting article about the Pops beliefs...

      http://current.com/items/88327501_pope_blames_atheists_for_world_s_sufferings
      http://current.com/items/88836479_pope_hell_really_exists_abstain_from_media

      The guy is a big joke. By the way, if you give me a googd enough reason, Ill make it my job to tell you and everyone like you what to do.

    • 4 years ago
  • nfrance
    • 0
      nfrance  

    • Lifterbaron

      Those comments aren't opinions, they're anti-Catholic hate speech. Similar to what you wrote. You don't even know me, and you call me a pompous turd? You're fool. Only a fool would do that, Yep, you're a fool. And don't tell me how to act, fool. I read your posts, you got nothing.

    • 4 years ago
  • lifterbaron
    • 0
      lifterbaron  

    • nfrance

      Don't act like you know them all either you pompous turd. People have a right to voice their opinion just like you. Don't forget that the next time you try to play father.

    • 4 years ago
  • teddy14
  • nfrance
    • 0
      nfrance  

    • Ya know, with the exception of meligrosa, all the comments here are just juvenile and hateful. Grow up, people. The overwhelmingly majority of Catholic clergy are wonderful, holy men. Stop painting the Catholic Church with the same brush, it's wrong, inaccurate, ignorant, and hurtful to rest of us Catholics.

    • 4 years ago
  • 96thdayofrage
    • 0
      96thdayofrage  

    • Whoa---------- kay! Just what the papacy needs after a predatory sex scandal involving minors. Did Pope Benedict meet Mark Foley while he was in the States?

    • 4 years ago
  • clarity_kat
    • 0
      clarity_kat  

    • I appreciate the pope's recent actions to try and remedy previous wrong doings of the church. When he openly apoligized for the sexual molestations that occurred and met with the victims to give a personal apology and prayer it seemed like a step in the right direction, at least to me. It's like he knows he can't take back everything that has happened but he is going to try and start the healing process, and not just by throwing money at the problem.
      Now he is stepping out of the comfort zone of the church and trying to meet people halfway. I think it is admorable that he is giving people and option to have religion in their life on their own terms. Nobody is going to force kids to sign up for these text messages, but if you want to get a daily dose of catholism you can do so on your own terms. It's nice to see that the church is accepting that religion is no longer contained in stuffy buildings once a week, but can be accessed from your phone or computer whenever you feel like. Kind of feels like a step to being more spiritual.... a tiny step, but still a step.

    • 4 years ago
  • meligrosa
  • MissJonaLyn
  • MajorMajorMajorMajor
  • lifterbaron
    • 0
      lifterbaron  

    • This guy is the biggest dumbass slithering the globe today. He just looks shady.. Im happy to hear he made more sins to fit in the modern new world.. What was it again, no pollution, cheating on your taxes... and like being naughty or something...

    • 4 years ago
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