Pope approves liturgical translations in 2 Mayan languages

October 09, 2013

Pope Francis has granted his approval to translations for the celebration of the sacraments in two indigenous Mayan languages, according to La Jornada, a Mexican daily newspaper.

Tzeltal is spoken by an estimated 370,000 people, and Tzotzil by an estimated 240,000.

The approval “is a source of great joy and hope for our people, as it gives confidence that their language is recognized by the Church,” said Bishop Felipe Arizmendi Esquivel of San Cristóbal de Las Casas, Chiapas.

 

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Further information:

• Aprueba papa Francisco fórmulas en tzotzil y tzeltal para sacramentos (La Jornada)
• In Chiapas, Mayans get Mass, sacraments in two of their languages (CNS)