Pope readies launch of YouTube channel

by James Quilter , Brand Republic 19-Jan-09, 12:35

LONDON - Catholic devotees will be able to view online video footage and audio sermons by Pope Benedict XVI when the Vatican launches its own YouTube channel.

The channel, which is due to be officially unveiled on Friday (January 23), will use content supplied by Vatican Radio and the Vatican Television Center.

Church events will also be covered in addition to the Pope's pronouncements and teachings. The channel aims to cater for everyone from the curious to the religion's more devoted followers.

The move onto YouTube will be one of the Catholic Church's biggest online developments since it launched its website in 1995.

There is also a website dedicated to the Vatican City State featuring a webcam permanently trained on the tomb of the last Pope, John Paul II.