Shropshire Star

Pope Francis hosts hackathon in campaign for migrants and poor

Organisers stress that no attempts will be made to breach firewalls or commit piracy.

Published
Last updated
Pope Francis has endorsed a hackathon at the Vatican (Alessandra Tarantino/AP)

Computer hackers have descended on the Vatican to help tackle pressing problems particularly dear to Pope Francis, including how to better provide resources for migrants and encourage solidarity for the poor.

The Vatican Hackathon, an around-the-clock computer programming marathon, starts on Thursday, with the full support of the pontiff, several Vatican offices and student volunteers from Harvard and MIT.

Organisers stressed that no firewalls will be breached or acts of computer piracy committed.

Computer hackers have forged an unlikely alliance with the Vatican (Adam Peck/PA)
Computer hackers have forged an unlikely alliance with the Vatican (Adam Peck/PA)

Teams of programmers, graphic designers and project managers will be asked to provide technological solutions to specific problems in three general areas: solidarity in a digital world, communication in interfaith dialogue and mobilisation of resources for migrants.

Sorry, we are not accepting comments on this article.