Pope to answer viewers' questions on Italian TV

Pope Benedict XVI is set to appear on Italian television on Good Friday in a new scheme giving viewers the chance to submit questions for the pontiff, the Vatican said on Tuesday.

"It's the first time that a pope will answer questions from the audience on television," said Il Corriere della Sera daily.

The curious will be able to post queries for the pope on RAI television's website from Sunday but the questions can only be about Jesus Christ, Vatican spokesman Ciro Benedettini told AFP.

Three questions will then be selected to be answered by the pontiff during the programme.

The show will be recorded a couple of days before it goes on air, either in the Sistine Chapel or Benedict's private apartment.

The project is being organised by the Italian Episcopal Conference, Benedettini said.

Benedict already holds the record for being the first pope to give television interviews.
In 2005 and 2006 he granted interviews to German and Polish television stations at his summer residence Castel Gandolfo.

Pope Leo III was the first pontiff ever to be filmed, in 1896.

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