(ZENIT News / Rome, 11.28.2024).- In a move symbolizing a growing connection between the Vatican and the Chinese-speaking world, Pope Francis announced that beginning December 4, his weekly General Audiences will feature a greeting and catechesis summary in Mandarin. This addition underscores the Pope’s ongoing commitment to fostering inclusivity and outreach to Chinese Catholics and the broader Chinese community.
Speaking to pilgrims in St. Peter’s Square on November 27, Pope Francis shared, “With the start of Advent next week, the catechesis summary during the General Audience will also be translated into Chinese.” Mandarin joins a roster of languages that includes French, English, German, Spanish, Portuguese, Arabic, and Polish.
A Gesture of Inclusion
This initiative reflects the Pope’s consistent attention to China and its people. He has described China as a «land of great opportunities» and its people as «architects and custodians of an invaluable cultural heritage.» These sentiments were part of his 2018 message accompanying a provisional agreement between the Holy See and China regarding the appointment of bishops.
Francis has also addressed Chinese Catholics directly. During a Mass in Mongolia in September 2023, he urged them to «be good Christians and good citizens.» On multiple occasions, he has expressed hope for a future visit to China, referring to the nation as a «promise and hope for the Church.»
A Legacy of Outreach
The Vatican has steadily expanded its Chinese-language offerings over the years. The Vatican News website provides updates in both simplified and traditional Chinese, while its Chinese-language radio program has been on air since 1950. In 1981, Pope Saint John Paul II included Chinese characters in a speech at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial, a first for a papal address.
In 2009, the Vatican’s official website added Chinese to its language options, and since 1998, the Vatican’s Fides news agency has published in simplified Chinese.
Building Bridges
The inclusion of Mandarin in General Audiences is more than a linguistic addition—it is a gesture of goodwill toward a population where Catholicism has long existed under unique challenges. By extending this acknowledgment to Chinese-speaking audiences, Pope Francis reaffirms his vision of a Church that transcends borders and communicates with all.
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