Pope Francis announced that starting next week, his weekly teachings at the Vatican will be translated into Mandarin, adding to the languages already used. This move coincides with the start of Advent and reflects efforts to improve Vatican-China relations.
Pope Francis announced on Wednesday that his weekly general audience teachings at the Vatican will also be translated into Mandarin starting next week.
At the Wednesday audiences, Pope Francis delivers his teachings in Italian, which are then translated and read out in English, French, German, Polish, Spanish, Portuguese, and Arabic.
"Next week, with the Advent (period starting), the Chinese translation will also be here in the audience," he said, likely referring to Mandarin, the official language of China. Relations between the Vatican and communist China have historically been strained, but Pope Francis has prioritised improving them.
In October, the Vatican and China extended an agreement regarding the appointment of Catholic bishops in the North Asian country for another four years, reflecting a new level of trust between the two parties.
The Vatican stated that the accord, initially established in 2018, addressed a decades-long division between an underground church loyal to the pope and the China-supervised Catholic Patriotic Association, which operates independently of the Holy See. It is estimated that there are 10 to 12 million Catholics in China.
Read next
17:59
The Vatican reports Pope Francis is stable and improving while being treated for double pneumonia at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital. The 88-year-old Pontiff remains under medical care as Catholics worldwide pray for his recovery.
22:11
Pope Francis has developed bilateral pneumonia, further complicating his treatment for a respiratory infection, the Vatican said on Tuesday. All public events through Sunday have been cancelled, as the 88-year-old pontiff remains in hospital for ongoing care.
14:50
Pope Francis
Vatican City, Feb 17 — Pope Francis spent a fourth consecutive day in Rome’s Gemelli Hospital on Monday, as he continues treatment for a respiratory tract infection, the Vatican confirmed. Officials stated that the 88-year-old pontiff remains in stable condition.
21:04
Pope Francis is recovering at Rome's Gemelli Hospital after being admitted with a respiratory infection. The 88-year-old pontiff is in stable condition but remains under observation, prompting concerns among the faithful.
14:38
Pope Francis
Pope Francis, 88, was hospitalized for tests and continued bronchitis treatment, the Vatican confirmed. Despite recent health issues, including falls, he has maintained his schedule.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment