There have been some local decisions about the liturgical use of iPads and other electronic devices, but so far there have been no pronouncement about their use from Rome which would apply to the church world-wide.
Edward McNamara, professor of liturgy at the Regina Apostolorum university note that “at least one cardinal, celebrating in his cathedral, has publicly used a tablet in lieu of a missal, but this does not constitute official ratification.”
McNamara expresses an opinion about the liturgical use of iPads and other electronic devices. He cautions that “what I say has no official standing whatsoever. I limit myself to what I consider to be the liturgical principles involved.”
He concludes that, “Someone could develop a tablet for exclusively liturgical use with an appropriate design and no other programs installed. That might change the terms of the debate.”
“Until such a time arrives, I think it best to avoid using such instruments so as to maintain that sacred distinction of the liturgy from the humdrum of ordinary activities,” he says.
Read the Edward McNamara opinion on Zenit
Father Edward McNamara, a Legionary of Christ, is professor of liturgy at the Regina Apostolorum university.
Image: Eternity Bible College
