SYDNEY, Australia, DEC. 22, 2008 (Zenit.org).- A social networking site that grew out of July’s World Youth Day in Sydney has brought Vatican attention and approval, says the city’s archbishop.
Cardinal George Pell, who has his own profile page on Xt3.com, returned from Rome with news of the Vatican’s support and encouragement.
“Xt3.com provides young people with news, resources, events, charity projects, advice and interactive pages — all within a safe environment,” the cardinal said.
The Web site — a Catholic version of Facebook or MySpace — targets young people between the ages of 16 and 35 and gives dioceses around the world their own pages.
Already more than 40,000 young people from over 170 countries have joined.
With a new agreement, a Vatican library of media material has been made available for use on Xt3.com.
One of the most popular pages at the site is “Ask a Priest.” This feature gives young people the opportunity to question and come to understand a variety of Catholic teachings.
The site is planning programs for dioceses around Australia and New Zealand and is set to become part of Oceania Catholic secondary schools’ religious education programs, through the use of its interactive network.
“Considerable work has been undertaken in the development and growth strategy of Xt3.com and I am very excited about the enormous possibilities this technology provides with the ability to link young people to the Church,” Cardinal Pell said. “It all focuses on young people who are searching for answers to the many challenges they face in the modern world.”
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