The Roman Catholic archdiocese has launched an app for those with an urgent need for confession. The confession app, using technology similar to the hook-up app Tinder, is believed to be the first interactive GPS-powered “confession finder,” guiding penitent Catholics within the Archdiocese of St Andrews and Edinburgh to the nearest church offering confession or celebrating Mass, The Telegraph reports.

The “The Catholic App” was developed by the archdiocese and the technology company Musemantik. The service, which is available on iPhone and tablet devices, was officially launched on November 22 in front of the dome of St Peter’s Basilica in Rome.

Archbishop Leo Cushley of St Andrews & Edinburgh, who was in the Vatican on official business, played the Scottish bagpipes at the launch.

“This is a little bit of smart technology that could make a big impact on how the Catholic Church brings the mercy of God and the joy of the Gospel to our contemporary world,” he said.

Musemantik founder Dr Maciej Zurawski added: “Websites are losing popularity – what is needed to engage with the mobile generation is an app that is smart and personal, an app that is like a companion, a friend that takes the initiative to inspire you – that’s the vision behind the Catholic App.”