Pope Benedict XVI has tweeted for the first time, announcing the launch of a Vatican news information portal.

Benedict's tweet on Tuesday read: "Dear Friends, I just launched News.va Praised be our Lord Jesus Christ! With my prayers and blessings, Benedictus XVI"

Vatican officials said the Benedict touched on a touchpad to send the tweet.

The portal www.news.va was launched for the feast day of St. Peter and Paul, which falls on June 29 but officially begins with a vesper service June 28.

Wednesday also marks the 60th anniversary of Benedict's ordination as a priest.

The portal for the first time aggregates information from the Vatican's various print, online, radio and television media.

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