Holy Father sends first text message WYD participants

Sydney, Australia, Jul 15, 2008 / 11:37 am

Tuesday morning the Holy Father sent his first text message to thousands of World Youth Day supporters across Australia.

The message, sent at 10 a.m. local time in Sydney, read:

"Young friend, God and his people expect much from u because u have within you the Fathers supreme gift: the Spirit of Jesus - BXVI."

According to the Australian communications company, Telstra, the Pope will send daily messages to those who subscribe to the service.

Additionally, the company has built base stations around Sydney to allow WYD participants to contact family and friends, during the papal event.

Telstra customers can subscribe to the Pope’s free daily messages by texting the word, “Pope” to 0400 405 111.