Wizzard Media, the world’s
largest podcasting network, has entered into an agreement to
launch the Vatican Observatory iPhone App aimed at the 1.5 billion
Catholics worldwide, representing 17% of the world’s population,
and all others seeking iPhone access to daily inspirational and
devotional messages from this Vatican-chartered institution. The
announcement was made today by Wizzard Media President Laurie Sims
and Robert Thorne, CEO of The Robert Thorne Company, which
manages the global licensing, touring and media program for the Vatican
Observatory Foundation, in partnership with Gruppo Santony.
Introduction of the Vatican
Observatory iPhone App follows on Pope Benedict XVI’s recent
encouragement of all parts of the Vatican to reach people
worldwide through new technology. The Vatican Observatory iPhone
App will come loaded with daily and weekly audio and video inspirational
and devotional content with bonus transcripts, scripture
references and insightful commentary. Content will also address
the nexus of faith and knowledge at the heart of the Vatican
Observatory’s mission, including imagery from the Vatican
Observatory and other principal sites of the Vatican, delivered on
camera by prominent devotional television personality and
best-selling author Father Michael Manning, an ordained and
papally recognized Catholic priest.
Proceeds from the iPhone App
will support the Vatican Observatory Foundation’s humanitarian
work in scientific education, research and discovery. A companion
web series will feature highlights of the iPhone App content and
select reruns of iPhone App episodes, as well as a
behind-the-scenes look at production of the iPhone App’s content and
periodic on-site production in Rome.
