a question of emphasis

By Diogenes ( articles ) | Mar 15, 2007

Father Z (whose site traffic is straining his server right now, so be gentle) has spotted another passage of the Pope's apostolic exhortation in which the English translation is less decisive than the official Latin version.

The passage in question is the one in which the Holy Father highlights the necessity for Catholics in public life to adopt stands consistent with Church teaching. That paragraph (83) concludes, in the Latin:

Obligantur Episcopi ut sine intermissione haec iterent praecepta; eorum pars enim est muneris erga sibi creditum gregem.

Here's Father Z's translation:

Bishops are under the obligation to repeat these precepts without ceasing; for this is part of their duty toward the flock entrusted to them.

And here's the official translation:

Bishops are bound to reaffirm constantly these values as part of their responsibility to the flock entrusted to them.

Which translation sounds stronger? Are you surprised?