Pope Francis spoke English in public for the first time on October 18, when he sent a video message to a conference on evangelisation in the Philippines.
On the same day he met representatives of the International Commission on English in the Liturgy and praised their translation of liturgical texts.
In the video message to a New Evangelisation conference in the Philippines, the Pope asked Catholics throughout Asia not to “grow tired” of taking God’s mercy to the “poor, sick, abandoned, young people and families”.
He read in English from a prepared text and his voice was heavily accented.
“Let Jesus be known in the world of politics, business, arts, science, technology and social media,” he told the 5000 delegates from across South-East Asia.
“Let the Holy Spirit renew creation and bring forth justice and peace in the Philippines and in the great continent of Asia that is close to my heart.”
The Pope’s met ICEL members as the translation group celebrated its 50th anniversary.
Speaking in Italian, he told them: “The fruits of your labours have not only helped to form the prayer of countless Catholics, but have also contributed to the understanding of the faith, the exercise of the common priesthood and the renewal of the Church’s missionary outreach, all themes central to the teaching of the [Second Vatican] Council….
“By enabling the vast numbers of the Catholic faithful throughout the world to pray in a common language, your commission has helped to foster the Church’s unity in faith and sacramental communion.
“That unity and communion, which has its origin in the Blessed Trinity, is one which constantly reconciles and enhances the richness of diversity.”
ICEL is made up of representatives of 11 bishops’ conferences: the United States, Canada, Ireland, England and Wales, Scotland, southern Africa (South Africa, Swaziland and Botswana), India, Pakistan, Philippines, New Zealand and Australia.
Sources:
Audio recording of Pope’s Philippines message (Vatican Radio)
Image: Vatican Insider