iPhone app for the penitent receives Church approval

According to Reuters, the app walks Catholics through the sacrament and helps them to examine their conscience.

The app has been developed by LittleiApps, of South Bend, Indiana, and received approval from Bishop Kevin Rhoades, of the Diocese of Fort Wayne in Indiana.

It has not been designed to replace going to confession with a priest but rather help to prepare them ahead of the act.

Patrick Leinen, of Little iApps, said: “Our desire is to invite Catholics to engage in their faith through digital technology.”

Pope Benedict XVI spoke of the need for the church to utilise digital technology in his address on world communications last month.