Latin is losing its privileged status in the Vatican

The Vatican has revised the status of Latin, which is no longer the preferred official language for the internal workings of the Roman Curia. The relevant changes were made in the updated regulations approved by the Pope, marking an important shift in a centuries-old tradition.

According to Kath.Net, the revised document now states, «The offices of the Curia shall prepare their acts, as a rule, in Latin or another language.» This wording abolishes the previous rule, according to which Latin was dominant and had to be used by default, while other languages were used only when necessary.

In addition, the mandatory requirement of a «good knowledge of Latin» for Vatican employees was abolished. Now applicants need to have a good command of Italian and one other foreign language to work in the administrative structures of the Holy See.

Despite the innovations, the Latin language will not disappear from the Vatican completely. At the Secretariat of State will continue its work «Latin Language Department», which will continue to serve all structures of the Roman Curia, preserving the cultural and historical heritage.

Recall, the Anglican Church of Nigeria, the world’s largest Anglican community with more than 18 million believers, announced its «spiritual independence» and the cessation of communion with the Church of England. The reason for such a decisive step was deep disagreement with the liberal reforms carried out by the center, in particular, the decision to bless same-sex unions.