"We’re here to meet each other. We’re here to establish a dialogue."

Live blogging from the Vatican blogging conference:

Archbishop Claudio Celli, President of the Pontifical Council for Social Communications, kicked off the Vatican blogging meeting with some opening remarks.

Noting the excitement over the gathering, Celli recognized that "some have argued that we should have taken this initiative some time ago, and that is true. But we’re here today.” And that's what matters.

It's true that bloggers, podcasters, and new media aficionados have long-desired the Church to engage new media. Today's meeting is a sign that they have not only heard the call, but have answered.

The Archbishop was quick to point out, however, that this conference isn't a formal one, merely a "time to meet each other, a time to dialogue." He made it clear that this wouldn't be the last word on blogging.

Instead, Celli said, this meeting is like music. "This is the first movement that will anticipate the music that will be played in the symphony.”

Don't forget that you can watch the live stream of the blogging conference at SQPN!