🇬🇧 The Languages of the Vatican: Latin, Multilingualism & the Legacy of Pope Francis

The world recently learned of the passing of Pope Francis — the first Jesuit pope and the first from Latin America. Known for his humility, progressive values, and deep connection with the people, Pope Francis brought a unique voice to the Vatican — quite literally.

Today, we’re going to learn a little about who he was, and then we’ll explore something most ESL learners never think about: how language works in the smallest country in the world — the Vatican!

✨ Why Latin Still Matters

Latin is no longer a spoken language in everyday life. But in the Catholic Church, it’s very much alive. Latin is the official language of the Vatican, used in formal documents, liturgy, and even Twitter posts from the Pope’s Latin account (@Pontifex_ln).

Here are some examples of Latin phrases used in the Church:

• Agnus Dei – Lamb of God

• Kyrie Eleison – Lord, have mercy

• Habemus Papam – We have a Pope (used when a new Pope is announced)

🌍 Multilingualism in the Vatican

The Vatican is a tiny place — but it’s incredibly international. Official Vatican communication happens in multiple languages, including Italian, French, English, Spanish, Portuguese, Polish, and German.

Why so many languages?

Because the Church is global. Vatican officials must often speak with bishops, diplomats, and journalists from all over the world. This is where interpreters and translators come in.

Behind every major Church event, there are multilingual teams making sure everyone can understand the message.

📌 Fun Fact: Vatican Radio broadcasts in over 40 languages!

🧑‍🎓 The Linguistic Legacy of Pope Francis

Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Argentina, was known for his fluency in Spanish, Italian, German, French, and English. He could also understand some Portuguese and Latin.

This linguistic diversity allowed him to:

• Speak directly to Catholics in their own languages

• Give speeches without interpretation

• Relate more personally to international communities

His choice to often speak in Spanish, his native language, even at international events, showed how language connects deeply with identity.

✏️ ESL Activity Time!

🧠 Vocabulary Match

Match the word to its meaning:

1. ___ Interpreter

2. ___ Latin

3. ___ Multilingual

4. ___ Mass

5. ___ Fluent

a) A religious ceremony

b) Able to speak a language easily and well

c) A person who helps people understand each other in different languages

d) The ancient language of Rome, still used in the Catholic Church

e) Someone who speaks many languages

📖 Reading Comprehension

Choose the best answer:

1. What is the official language of the Vatican?

   1. Spanish

   2. Latin

   3. French

   4. Italian

2. Why are interpreters important in the Vatican?

   1. Because the Pope cannot speak

   2. To translate messages for a global audience

   3. Because no one speaks Latin

   4. To write the Pope’s speeches

3. What is a phrase that means “We have a Pope”?

   1. Kyrie Eleison

   2. In Nomine Patris

   3. Habemus Papam

   4. Pater Noster

🎯 Latin Quote Quiz

Which of these Latin quotes means “Peace be with you”?

a) Pax vobiscum

b) Carpe diem

c) Deo gratias

d) Et tu, Brute?

🪞 Reflection Question

What do you think about Latin being used today in church? Should old languages still be used in modern times? Why or why not?

🧭 Conclusion

From Latin chants to papal tweets, language in the Vatican is rich, symbolic, and essential. Pope Francis reminded the world not only of the power of words but of the value of connection — and the role language plays in creating that connection.

✅ Vocabulary Match – Answers

1. Interpreter → c) A person who helps people understand each other in different languages

2. Latin → d) The ancient language of Rome, still used in the Catholic Church

3. Multilingual → e) Someone who speaks many languages

4. Mass → a) A religious ceremony

5. Fluent → b) Able to speak a language easily and well

✅ Reading Comprehension – Answers

1. What is the official language of the Vatican?Correct answer: b) Latin

2. Why are interpreters important in the Vatican?Correct answer: b) To translate messages for a global audience

3. What is a phrase that means “We have a Pope”?Correct answer: c) Habemus Papam

✅ Latin Quote Quiz – Answer

Which of these Latin quotes means “Peace be with you”?Correct answer: a) Pax vobiscum