SYDNEY, Australia, SEPT. 3, 2009 (Zenit.org).- The social networking Web site born out of World Youth Day 2008, called Xt3.com, has been officially adopted by the Archdiocese of Sydney.
Cardinal George Pell supported the initial launching of the site along with the youth day in his city.
With this tool, youth were able to connect with each other online, before and after the event. Benedict XVI even used it to send a message to the young people.
A press release from the bishops’ conference of England and Wales announced that the British Xt3 Media entered into partnership with the Sydney Archdiocese shortly after the youth day in order to expand the site.
In this way, the Web page was able to provide a platform for people worldwide to watch the handing over of the youth day cross in Rome last Palm Sunday.
Now, the archdiocese has agreed to take over the complete funding and resourcing of the site.
One of the Xt3.com founders, Robert Toone, stated, «We are delighted with this outcome for the Catholic Church’s first social network and broadcast platform.»
He explained, «This will ensure that Xt3.com becomes embedded into the daily life of the Catholic Church and most importantly is placed on a secure foundation so that young people throughout the world will have access to this fantastic resource.»
Toone affirmed that this site «is a significant step forward for the Catholic Church in its mission to reach out to and engage young people of any faith or none as well as support those already interested and involved to come together to build a better world.»
After this decision by the archdiocese, Xt3 Media changed its name to Kristos Media, to avoid confusion between the two entities.
Kristos Media will continue with its current projects, including an initiative to help parishes create quality Web sites and the publication of a book by an ex-gangster evangelist.
