Catholic users of iPhones and iPads can now make confession online by downloading a new app that allows them to tell their sins to a virtual priest.

Described as “the perfect aid for every penitent”, Confession: A Roman Catholic App offers worshippers tips and guidelines to help them with the sacrament.

The app has received the official seal of approval from Church leaders in Northern Ireland, who say it is a “positive development”.

Available to download for £1.19 from the iTunes website, the Confession programme is the first mobile phone application to be endorsed by the Vatican.

Patrick Leinen, whose US-based company Little iApps developed the app, said it was designed to be a “useful and inviting tool”.

“Our desire is to invite Catholics to engage in their faith through digital technology,” he said.

“Our goal with this project is to offer a digital application that is truly new media at the service of the Word.

“The app has already aided one man in returning to the sacrament after 20 years. We hope many more will take advantage of this new confession resource.”

The launch comes shortly after Pope Benedict XVI gave an address urging worshippers to use digital communication and make their presence felt online.

In his World Communications Address last month, he said it was not a sin to visit social networking sites and encouraged young Catholics to share information with each other on the internet.

The Rev Edward McGee of the Diocese of Down and Connor said the app was a “wonderful use of modern technology”.

“It assists in the process of reflection and guides individuals through the various aspects of the sacramental celebration,” he said. “Rather than replacing the Sacrament of Reconciliation, this application facilitates greater participation in this Sacrament of God’s forgiveness, love and mercy.

“The employment of modern forms of communication which leads to a deeper understanding of the sacraments is to be welcomed and it is hoped that this application will provide a useful resource in helping people make a good confession.”

Meanwhile, Fr Jim O’Donoghue of St Mary’s, the oldest Catholic church in Belfast, said he wasn’t sure the app would catch on.

“I’m not particularly enamoured with the idea that it’s on the iPhone, but maybe I’m a bit old-fashioned,” he said.

“It sounds like quite a good idea — I suppose anything that will help people prepare for confession is a good thing. It might help young people understand the process of confession.”

The app’s developers say that it is not intended to replace confession, but encourage worshippers to visit a priest for face-to-face penitence.