one word missing

By Diogenes ( articles ) | May 11, 2007

Shortly after arriving in Brazil on board the papal plane, John Allen of NCR helpfully posted a full transcript of the Pope's remarks to journalists, in his own unofficial translation. Here's one crucial snippet:

[Question]...Do you agree with the excommunication given to legislators in Mexico City on the question of abortion?

Pope Benedict XVI: Yes, this excommunication is not something arbitrary, but it’s part of the Code [of Canon Law].....

That was Allen's own translation. By the following day the Vatican had produced the official transcript, and the Pope's answer to the question was rendered:

Excommunication is not something arbitrary, but is foreseen by the Code [of Canon Law.]...

Not much difference, really. Except for that one little word: "Yes."

The best explanation for this discrepancy in translation is:

A) The Pope was clearing his throat, and Allen mistakenly thought he had formed a word.

B) Vatican officials "clarified" the Pope's statement, in line with the principles of translation put forward in James 5:12.