The Vatican has launched its own YouTube Channel. Now the site is the destination of choice for both the President of the United States of America and the Pope.

In the following introductory video (which interestingly has "embedding disabled by request") from Father Federico Lombardi, S.I., Director of Vatican Radio, the Vatican Television Centre and the Holy See Press Office , the reasons for the Vatican going on YouTube are laid out.

Those reasons include:

– Many people all over the world want to know and understand what the Pope thinks, and what the Catholic Church says about the major problems facing the world today.

– This will be easier with YouTube and will be available in English, Spanish, German, and Italian. YouTube provides a "global arena."

– Interactive features like sending messages, comments, and sharing videos. The initiative is "aimed at creating a climate of dialogue and promoting open communication."

This is an excellent of example of how online video and new media is truly transforming the way of life of many, many people across the entire world. Considering the size of the Catholic Church, I would not be surprised to see a whole lot more drawn into the medium, not to mention the draw of the President.

Between these things and talk about partnerships with big-name content providers, YouTube looks to be ready for a good year.