The Director of the Holy See Press Office, Father Federico Lombardi has issued clarification
on the church's position on receiving the sacrament of penance. His remarks come after
the launch of an iphone application that helps Catholics prepare for Confession.
Father
Lombardi says, it is essential to understand that the sacrament of penance requires
a personal dialogue between the penitent and the confessor in order for absolution
to be given.
This he says, cannot be replaced by any computer application such
as the iPhone.
Father Lombardi goes on to say that, in a world in which many
people use computer support for reading and reflection, digital technology can be
useful in the preparation for confession.
But this technology he adds, is by
no means a substitute for the sacrament.