The Vatican has just announced that it is not possible to "confess by iPhone," referring to the new app Confession: A Roman Catholic App, which lets users confess their sins through the phone. Vatican spokesman Federico Lombardi told journalists that "the rites of penance require a personal dialogue between penitents and their confessor... It cannot be replaced by a computer application."
The apps guides user through a series of questions such as "have I been involved in occult practices?" to check whether the user's behavior conforms to the rules of Scripture. The developer, Patrick Leinen, said the app was designed for use in the confessional and was intended "for those who frequent the sacrament and those who wish to return. Our desire is to invite Catholics to engage in their faith through digital technology."
The Confession app sells for $1.99 at the app store, but I'm guessing all the money goes to... god?
Your headline, as with most
Your headline, as with most headlines about this topic, is inaccurate. The Vatican did not in any way “say no” the app. It simply clarified, as the app itself, its developers, and the Bishop who gave it an imprimatur did, that it is not a replacement for confession to a priest. Many news outlets have claimed that the app purports to do so, and the Vatican is wisely correcting this misunderstanding.
The app does not in any way claim to "let users confess their sins through the phone"
Hate to counter the Vatican
Hate to counter the Vatican out of respect for the institution, but the One who made possible forgiveness might disagree and have to say "the rites of penance require a personal dialogue between penitents and God... It cannot be replaced by a confessor" ...just saying.
With the minor exception that...
Jesus Christ was the one who told his Apostles (not disciples; apostles) to go and forgive sins in his name (john 20:23). So since it was Jesus' idea...I don't think he'd have an issue with it.