http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,3-538079,00.html

From Richard Owen in Rome
January 10, 2003

The Vatican has warned Catholic bishops and priests not to use the
internet to hear "online confessions" in case they are read by
"ill-intentioned people such as hackers" for purposes such as
blackmail.

The Holy See's judicial arm said there was a risk that criminals would
misuse confidential information intended for the eyes of a confessor
only.

It did not say if the warning had been prompted by an actual case of
blackmail. No figures have been released for the number of confessions
heard online. The Vatican has embraced the internet with enthusiasm,
and since 1997 has had an efficient website powered by computers named
after the archangels Michael, Gabriel and Raphael and run by nuns.

The Pope, while warning of the "dark uses" to which the internet can
be put and the "temptations" it offers, has used it to send messages
and prayers around the world. However, he is against group confessions
and collective absolutions.

[...]

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