The Vatican has integrated social media tools like Facebook and Twitter into its official news website, allowing the faithful more ways to navigate its news archives.
Users will be able to livestream papal events, and post links to Twitter accounts and Facebook walls of homilies, statements, and speeches from the site.
In announcing news of the overhaul, Msgr. Claudio Maria Celli recognized the value of the Internet and power of the social media as significant tools to keep the Pontifical Council for Social Communications and its message in the forefront of people's minds.
"I think we must educate the Roman Curia of what is the real meaning of communication," said Msgr. Celli, who will manage the portal. "Little by little, they will perceive that this is the real meaning to be present, to have relevance."
The move aims to modernize and personalize the Vatican, which many view as an outdated bureaucratic institution with little relevance to their everyday life. The Holy See, following suit of other prominent officials, will reportedly Tweet messages to his flock.
The announcement comes on the heels of other media efforts by the institution, like the debut of a Facebook page dedicated to late Pope John Paul II's beatification, the launch of a YouTube channel and the creation of the "Pope2You" mobile app.
While the new website shows the Vatican embracing mobile technologies, the Pontiff has expressed concern over social media in the past. Earlier this year, Pope Benedict said that online media provided "unprecedented opportunities for establishing relationships and building fellowship," but warned Christians to favor real-life relationships over these temptations.
"It is important to remember that virtual contact cannot and must not take the place of direct human contact with people at every level of our lives," the pope cautioned.
Still, to be "relevant" as the monsignor suggests, the Vatican has little choice but integrate technology. As mobile means and social interactions become ingrained in everyday life, the Catholic Church will likely follow in order to remain part of the conversation and not be left behind.
The 83-year-old pope, who writes all his speeches in long hand and is described as technology-adverse, is set to launch the site from the Apostolic Palace with a click of a tablet device on June 29th, which is the 60th anniversary of his ordination into the priesthood.
The church-related news aggregator and social media hub will initially carry stories in English and Italian, and reportedly, there will Spanish, French, German and Portuguese-language versions launched over the next few months.
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