Interactive Confession

Confession is a key aspect of the Catholic religion. Although Internet users can talk to other Catholics and Catholic priests using video chat, a confession made over the Internet is not seen as valid by the Holy See. The Catholic church is happy to use modern Internet and communication technology for administration of the religion. However, in January 2003, the Holy See ruled that using email, faxes, interactive chat and video chat for confession violated the secrecy of the Sacrament of Reconciliation.