April 3, 2005
The Pope used Text Messaging to spread the good word
While Pope John Paul II will largely be remembered for his influence on social issues ranging from euthanasia to AIDS, he also earned a place in history as the first pontiff to embrace computer technology. News.com reports.
"The pontiff's passing quickly drew encomiums praising his leadership on social and moral issues, but John Paul II also played a role in bringing the Vatican into the Information Age.
The Vatican brokered a deal with Verizon last year for a service to deliver a daily papal message to subscribers' cell phones. A church representative said the Vatican had a history of embracing new communications media, and cell phones are a natural vehicle for reaching younger believers.
Under John Paul II's leadership, the Vatican has also moved forward with plans to name St. Isidore of Seville, known for his scholarly work, as the patron saint of computer users, computer technicians and the Internet.
Some examples of the Pope's message by cell phones:
-- The Pontif's Midnight Mass on Xmas Eve and Christmas Day message and blessing broadcasted by cell phone.
-- Pope Delivers Daily Message by Text in Ireland, Italy and the UK
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