The Pope Watch
 
    VIENNA, Va., Oct. 2 /PRNewswire/ -- America Online and ABC News
announced today they will bring the world's first online mass, given by
Pope John Paul II, into the homes of AOL's 3.5 million members. ABC News
will provide a text simulcast of the mass given by the Pope in Camden
Yards, Baltimore, MD, live on AOL.
    In addition to the ABC News simulcast of the mass, AOL
representatives will be on-site at Camden Yards, to broadcast live
interviews with Catholic dignitaries and people in the crowd, to bring
home the stories of people who have traveled great distances to see the
Pope.  AOL representatives will upload live, full color photos, sound,
and video throughout the day.  Video clips and full color photos will
also be available in the ABC News On Demand Area on AOL.
    "Historically, men, women and children have traveled many miles to
see and hear the Pope celebrate a mass, and they will continue to do
so." said Ted Leonsis, President of America Online Services Company.
"For the first time ever, those who cannot make this journey will have
the rare opportunity to take part in a mass celebrated by the Pope
online."
    Throughout the Papal visit AOL members will have access to articles,
the Pope's schedule, and up-to-the minute news from the Catholic News
Service; Reuters, and The Associated Press.  In a special area dedicated
to the Pope's visit, AOL members can discuss topical issues on message
boards, easily access related sites on the WWW, and find a wide variety
of information about the Vatican, Catholicism and The Church, and
previous Papal visits.  AOL members can access the area, "The Papal
Visit" by using Key word: Pope.
    Thomas Lorsung, Director and Editor-in-Chief, Catholic News Service
commented:  "Catholic News Service is excited to be part of the online
reporting of Pope John Paul II's visit to the United States and United
Nations. As a news service with 75 years of experience covering the
Catholic Church, we are pleased to provide AOL members, Catholic and
non-Catholic alike, with in-depth and informed reports of this historic
visit."
    America Online, Inc., (Nasdaq-NNM:  AMER), based in Vienna, VA is
the largest and fastest growing provider of online services in the US
with the most active subscriber base.  AOL offers its more than 3.5
million subscribers a wide variety of services, including electronic
mail, conferencing software, computing support, interactive magazines,
and newspapers and online classes as well as easy and affordable access
to services of the Internet.  Founded in 1985, AOL has established
strategic alliances with dozens of companies, including Time Warner,
ABC, Knight-Ridder, Tribune, Hachette, IBM and American Express.
Personal computer owners can obtain America Online software at major
retailers and bookstores, or by calling 800-827-6364.
 
 
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