Indonesian Added as 57th Official Language of Vatican News
Vatican City – In a move to broaden its global reach and enhance inclusivity, the Vatican’s Dicastery for Communication has added Indonesian as its 57th official language. The agreement, formalized on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, through a Memorandum of Understanding between the Dicastery and the Commission for Social Communications of the Bishops’ Conference of Indonesia, aims to develop the Pope’s message accessible to a wider audience.
The signing ceremony took place at Vatican News and Vatican Radio headquarters in Rome, with representatives from the Holy See’s Dicastery for Communication, the Commission for Social Communications of the Bishops’ Conference of Indonesia, and the Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia to the Holy See in attendance. Vatican News reported on the event.
A Celebration of Faith and Identity
Bishop Agustinus Tri Budi Utomo, Chairman of the Commission for Social Communications of the Bishops’ Conference of Indonesia, described the agreement as “a celebration of an enduring friendship, a recognition of our national identity, and a strengthening of the bridge of faith between Indonesia and the heart of the universal Church.” He emphasized that this development represents a “modern form of ‘Fine News’” for Indonesian Catholics, establishing “a direct pathway to universal Church information for the Indonesian people.” Catholics in both Indonesia and Malaysia will now be able to access the Pope’s messages and Church news in their native language.
Strengthening Communication and Inclusivity
Officials from the Dicastery for Communication, including Prefect Paolo Ruffini, Editorial Director Andrea Tornielli, and Deputy Editorial Director Massimiliano Menichetti, highlighted the agreement’s potential to “promote inclusivity, strengthen pastoral communication, and foster a deeper sense of connection between the Vatican and local faithful.” They also noted the resource will aid the local Church in its efforts and ensure that messages of peace and fraternity are effectively communicated within the Indonesian cultural context. Vatican News detailed these points.
A Historic Milestone for Indonesia
The Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia to the Holy See, Michael Trias Kuncahyono, hailed the agreement as “a historic moment for Indonesia,” particularly for the nation’s Catholic community. The addition of Indonesian to Vatican News, now the media outlet’s 57th language, will enable Indonesians to directly access news and information about the Pope, the Vatican, and the global Church in their own language.
This expansion aims to foster greater connection with the Church and facilitate dialogue and understanding across cultures, promoting shared values of peace, fraternity, and religious harmony. Vatican News reported on the Ambassador’s remarks.
About the Dicastery for Communication
The Dicastery for Communication oversees the entire communications network of the Holy See, ensuring an integrated approach to the Church’s evangelizing mission in the digital age. Vatican News explains that the Dicastery strives to build bridges, foster communion, and engage with contemporary issues, as emphasized by Pope Francis and Pope Leo XIV.
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