Pope adds Arabic messages at weekly public audiences
October 10, 2012
Pope Benedict XVI has added Arabic to the list of languages used at his weekly public audience.
Each Wednesday, after the Pope delivers a catechetical address at his midday audience, a brief summary of his message is read in several different languages: English, Spanish, French, Polish, German, and Portuguese. In these short messages the Pope also regularly recognizes particular groups in attendance at the audience, or makes remarks aimed especially for those who speak that language. Beginning on October 10, the Arabic language was added to that list.
In announcing plans for the Arabic messages, Vatican officials noted that in his apostolic exhortation Ecclesia in Medio Oriente, concluding the work of the Synod for the Middle East, the Holy Father stressed the need for all Christians to offer their prayerful support for the Church in that region. The weekly messages are intended to express solidarity with Christians in the Middle East and to remind others to be mindful of their needs.
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Further information:
- Arabic to Become a Part of the Pope's General Audience (VIS)
- Vatican adding Arabic among languages used at pope’s weekly audience (AP)
- Pope prays in Arabic for first time (AFP)
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