Pope Benedict XVI uses an IPad to send out a Twitter message for the first time

VATICAN CITY — Pope Benedict XVI has tweeted for the first time, announcing the launch of a Vatican news information portal.

Benedict’s tweet on Tuesday read:

“Dear Friends, I just launched News.va Praised be our Lord Jesus Christ! With my prayers and blessings, Benedictus XVI”

Vatican officials said the Benedict touched on a touchpad to send the tweet.

The portal www.news.va was launched for the feast day of St. Peter and Paul, which falls on June 29 but officially begins with a vesper service June 28.

Wednesday also marks the 60th anniversary of Benedict’s ordination as a priest.

The portal for the first time aggregates information from the Vatican’s various print, online, radio and television media.

The Vatican, the world’s smallest state and home to the Pope, has flip-flopped between embracing new technologies and standing by traditions, seeking to reach out to younger generations without estranging older, more traditional churchgoers.


Catholics who are more comfortable with technology than with church sacraments can use a $1.99 iPhone application, not endorsed by the Vatican, to help get through the process of confession. Vatican spokesman Federico Lombardi said in February 2009, when the application drew attention, that an iPhone is no substitute for a priest.


The application, available on Apple Inc.’s iTunes store, walks users through an examination of their conscience, including a review of past actions and identification of sins.