Verghese V Joseph –
Bengaluru: Vatican News has expanded its linguistic reach by incorporating Kannada as its 53rd language, catering to the 35 million Kannada-speaking Indians. This move signifies a significant step towards inclusivity and accessibility in delivering Papal, Vatican, and Church news to a broader audience.
The inclusion of Kannada on the Vatican News platform is the result of a collaborative effort between the Dicastery for Communication and the Archdiocese of Bangalore in Karnataka, India. This partnership aims to bridge cultural gaps and enhance communication within the local Church community.
Archbishop Peter Machado of Bangalore launched the Kannada version of Vatican News during the St Antony’s Church feast at Betttada Halasuru, in Kanakapura near Bengaluru on April 2, 2024.
Archbishop Peter Machado of Bangalore expressed his enthusiasm for this development, emphasizing the importance of local news coverage in Kannada. He commended Pope Francis for his commitment to synodality and outreach to diverse communities, highlighting the value of bringing Church news closer to the people.
“I am delighted with the launch of these pages in Kannada,” remarked the Archbishop of Bangalore, Peter Machado. “News about the Pope, the Vatican, the universal Church, and the world will be of great interest and importance for the local Church in Karnataka. I thank our beloved Holy Father, Pope Francis, for his continual emphasis on synodality and on bringing the Church to the peripheries. The faithful will surely benefit from reading these articles and, in a later phase when possible, also from their broadcast in audio/video. I am sure that our Communication Center of the Archdiocese of Bangalore will bring the universal Church closer to the people.”
Dr. Paolo Ruffini, Prefect of the Holy See’s Dicastery for Communication, underscored the significance of adding Kannada to Vatican News as a tribute to Indian culture and a means of fostering authentic communication. This initiative reflects the Church’s dedication to inclusivity and solidarity in a world marked by challenges and divisions.
“A new language is added to those spoken by Vatican News. It is an ancient language, yet very much alive,” highlighted Dr. Paolo Ruffini, the Prefect of the Holy See’s Dicastery for Communication. “It is alive just as is the Catholic community that helps us in this small but great enterprise: to speak the language of 35 million Indians. It is an act of homage to their culture, and a service to authentic communication, a way of walking together, one step after the other. It represents great effort, certainly. But as a Kannada proverb goes ಕೈ ಕೆಸರಾದರೆ ಬಾಯಿ ಮೊಸರು, ‘Effort always pays’.”
Andrea Tornielli, Editorial Director of Vatican Media, emphasized the decision to include Kannada as a testament to Vatican News’ commitment to serving the universal Church and promoting unity. This expansion not only enriches the linguistic diversity of Vatican Radio but also strengthens the bond between Rome and the global community.
“The decision to also add the Kannada language to the existing 52 of Vatican Radio – Vatican News to offer the word of the Pope in the mother tongue of millions of Indians,” said Andrea Tornielli, Editorial Director of Vatican Media, “confirms our vocation of service to the Bishop of Rome and the Churches that form the universal Church. In a historical moment characterized by difficulties, uncertainties, wars, and violence, it is comforting that the Church bears witness to communion and sharing, strengthening the ties between Rome and the world.”
Massimiliano Menichetti, Head of Vatican Radio – Vatican News, highlighted the historical significance of Vatican Radio in spreading hope and the Christian message worldwide. The addition of Kannada aligns with the mission of Vatican Radio to reach diverse audiences and build a more connected and compassionate world through modern communication technologies.
“The breadth of the Church is truly wonderful. 93 years ago, Pope Pius XI entrusted Guglielmo Marconi with the task of building Vatican Radio in order to bring hope to the world,” emphasized Massimiliano Menichetti, Head of Vatican Radio – Vatican News, “to spread the Christian proclamation, and to build up the Church of Christ. In the 1990s, the waves of the Pope’s Radio reached Vietnam, that Proclamation generated “radio Christians,” a new living Church. Today, new technologies (shortwaves, satellites, and internet) offer us many opportunities to bring the Good News to our wounded world. The Kannada language is another example of vitality and fraternity and our wish is to continue to weave these paths in responsibility and unity.”