In a significant expansion of its linguistic repertoire, Vatican Media has proudly announced the inclusion of Kannada, a language spoken by 35 million people in India, as the 53rd language for its news coverage. This new venture is aimed at bringing the teachings of Pope, Vatican updates, and global Church news closer to the Kannada-speaking faithful. The initiative is a collaborative effort between the Vatican's Dicastery for Communication and the Archdiocese of Bangalore, located in the Indian state of Karnataka.
Archbishop Peter Machado of Bangalore expressed his enthusiasm for the initiative, stating that it would greatly serve the local Church's needs in Karnataka. He highlighted the importance of synodality and outreach to the peripheries, principles emphasized by Pope Francis, as key to the Church's mission. The Archbishop also hinted at future developments, including potential audio and video broadcasts in Kannada, to further enrich the faithful's experience.
Dr. Paolo Ruffini, the Prefect of the Dicastery for Communication, praised the initiative as a tribute to the rich culture and the vibrant Catholic community among Kannada speakers. He emphasized the importance of authentic communication and the effort to walk together in unity, quoting a Kannada proverb to underscore the value of effort in achieving success.
Andrea Tornielli, Editorial Director of Vatican Media, framed the introduction of Kannada as part of the Vatican's commitment to serving Pope and the universal Church, especially in challenging times marked by conflict and uncertainty. This move is seen as an act of communion and sharing, aimed at strengthening bonds between Rome and the global community.
Massimiliano Menichetti, Head of Vatican Radio – Vatican News, reflected on the historical mission of Vatican Radio, founded by Pope Pius XI and Guglielmo Marconi, to spread hope and the Christian message across the world. He highlighted the evolution of media technologies that have expanded the reach of the Gospel, drawing parallels with the past successes of "radio Christians" in Vietnam. The inclusion of Kannada is celebrated as a testament to the Church's vitality and commitment to fostering fraternity and unity in a fractured world.
With this new addition, Vatican Media continues its mission of spreading hope, facilitating communication, and building the Church of Christ across diverse cultures and languages, reaffirming its role as a beacon of light in today's world.