Pope Benedict XVI Launches Vatican YouTube Channel

Pope Benedict XVI announced the launch of the Vatican YouTube channel on January 21, 2009 as means to reach young people in search of answers and to find meaning in their lives. The Vatican has maintained an Internet presence since the launch of The Vatican in 1995, but now goes a step beyond to enter the digital age of videos.

Pope Benedict XVI hopes to build a strong family that knows no borders reaching people from all walks of life in the name of peace.

He states, "New technologies have an extraordinary potential if used to favor understanding and human solidarity. These technologies are a real gift to humanity; therefore, we have to make sure advantages they offer are put to the service of all peoples and communities."

Although youtube and the Vatican may seem to be opposing forces, 83 year old Benedict XVI explains why the youtube channel was launched, "So the Church and its message continue to be present...not a stranger to those spaces where numerous young people search for answers and meaning in their lives. You must find new ways to spread voices and images of hope through the evolving communication system that surrounds our planet."

In his reflections on the theme for this year's communication day (New Technologies, New Relationships: Promoting a culture of Respect, Dialogue and Friendship), Pope Benedict XVI embraces the benefits of digital communication and encourages young users to "... commit themselves to promoting a culture of respect, dialogue and friendship."

However, he warns of the inherent dangers of becoming too involved in digital communications. "If the desire for virtual connectedness becomes obsessive, it may in fact function to isolate individuals from real social interaction while also disrupting the patterns of rest, silence and reflection that are necessary for healthy human development."

Benedict XVI expresses his concerns over the sharing of negative images and words that debase humans. "If the new technologies are to serve the good of individuals and of society, all users will avoid the sharing of words and images that are degrading of human beings, that promote hatred and intolerance, that debase the goodness and intimacy of human sexuality or that exploit the weak and vulnerable."

The Vatican youtube channel currently features 23 videos ranging in length from nearly 3 minutes to 30-second clips that address specific concerns. Video images are produced by Centro Televisio Vaticano (CTV) and represent the position of the Catholic Church on world issues. It has receives nearly 250, 000 views to date.

Sources:

Vatican YouTube Channel

43 World Day of Communications