Arabic included in the official languages at Vatican

October 21, 2012

Arabic language was officially included in the list of the Languages at Pope Benedict’s weekly general audiences. The move is an attempt of Vatican to expand its reach to Christians and Muslims in Middle East.
Vatican is concerned about the mass departure of the Christians from Middle East who fear their safety over there. A century ago Christian community was 20 % of the total population which has declined to a 5%.

What is expected out of this step?
Speaking Arabic during the audiences that is broadcasted across the world on radio and television may allay fear of Christians in Middle East consoling them to stay back on the land that is a home for many of the holy places for Christians. The act is also likely to improve the strained relations with the Muslim world. The relations b/w both the communities turned sour after Pope’s speech at Regensburg in 2006, which made the Muslim world feel that his message was an attack on Islam.

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