In txts, BXVI urges WYD pilgrims to proclaim Christ & his luv

Published: 2008-07-17

SYDNEY, Australia (CNS) -- Some well-connected participants at World Youth Day were told, "God & his people expect much from u." The message, using common cellular phone texting abbreviations, was signed "BXVI" for Pope Benedict XVI. It was the first of six messages that were to be sent to subscribers of Australia's Telstra cellular phone network. BXVI did not actually thumb the text messages into his cell phone. Telstra and World Youth Day organizers worked with Jesuit Father Federico Lombardi, papal spokesman, to formulate the text messages and make them available at noon each day during the July 15-20 event.

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