Pope Benedict XVI now has his own video blog -- a dedicated channel on the popular video-sharing network YouTube.

The Vatican has said that it aims to broaden Pope Benedict XVI's audience through the YouTube channel, while also giving it greater control over the pope's online image. In his inaugural YouTube appearance the pontiff referred to the Internet as a "great family that knows no borders".

Speaking to crowds in St Peter's Square after the Angelus on 25 January, the Pope said he hoped that increased Vatican presence on the Internet will help those who "have yet to find a response to their spiritual yearning." This was an allusion to the new YouTube initiative.

Referring to his message for World Communications Day, the Pope said it concerns "the new technologies which have made the Internet a resource of utmost importance, especially for the so-called digital generation."

"Undoubtedly, wise use of communications technology enables communities to be formed in ways that promote the search for the true, the good and the beautiful, transcending geographical boundaries and ethnic divisions," the Pontiff added. "To this end, the Vatican has launched a new initiative which will make information and news from the Holy See more readily accessible on the world wide Web.

"It is my hope that this initiative will enrich a wide range of people -- including those who have yet to find a response to their spiritual yearning -- through the knowledge and love of Jesus Christ whose message of Good News the Church bears to the ends of the earth."

Vatican spokesman Federico Lombardi said that the YouTube channel was started because "many people want to know what the Pope thinks about the problems in the world today."