The Vatican website offers content in more than 60 languages today, reflecting a commitment to reach people by speaking to them in their mother tongues.<\/p>\n
Until about six decades ago, the Catholic Church relied heavily on Latin in its official and liturgical communication. But as a universal Church embracing many peoples, it recognized the importance of languages and their role in carrying the Gospel message to everyone.<\/p>\n
Today, the Vatican website offers content in more than 60 languages, reflecting a clear commitment to reach people: The Church must understand them and speak to them in their mother tongues.<\/p>\n
With International Mother Language Day observed a few days ago, it is an opportunity to look at the languages spoken by recent popes, an ability that has often helped them connect more directly with Catholics around the world.<\/p>\n
He spoke six languages fluently: Latin, Italian, French, Greek, Turkish, and Bulgarian.<\/p>\n
He mastered Italian, Latin, French, English, Spanish, and German.<\/p>\n
Pope John Paul II <\/p>\n
He spoke more than 10 languages: Polish, Italian, Latin, French, German, English, Spanish, Portuguese, Slovak, and Russian.<\/p>\n
He spoke German, Italian, Latin, French, English, Spanish, ancient Greek, and Hebrew.<\/p>\n
He spoke Spanish, Italian, German, English, French, Portuguese, and Latin.<\/p>\n
He speaks English, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, and French fluently. He also reads and understands Latin and German well, although he is still developing his conversational ability in both.<\/p>\n
Building bridges of trust<\/p>\n
These popes strengthened the Vatican\u2019s ability to communicate with the world, not only through translation or official statements but also by addressing people directly in their mother tongues. <\/p>\n
Words spoken in a people\u2019s own language are often closer to the heart, more sincere in expression, and more powerful in building understanding and trust. Although Pope Leo XIV does not speak Arabic, the brief Arabic greeting he offered in Lebanon, \u201cPeace be with you,\u201d was enough to bring joy to an entire people. <\/p>\n
Sometimes what matters is not perfect fluency but a sincere word spoken at the right moment, one that leaves a lasting impact. <\/p>\n
This story\u00a0was first published by ACI MENA,\u00a0the Arabic-language sister service of EWTN News. It has been translated and adapted by EWTN News English.<\/p>\n