Vatican City, Oct 9, 2012 / 11:34 am
Arab Christians are reacting positively to the decision to include Arabic as one of the official languages used at the Pope's weekly general audience.
"In this way, in the wake of his recent trip to Lebanon and the publication of the Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation 'Ecclesia in Medio Oriente,' the Holy Father intends to express his perpetual concern and support for Christians in the Middle East, and to remind everyone of their duty to pray and work for peace in the region," said a Oct. 9 statement from the Vatican Press Office.
The Pope's general audience is held every Wednesday. It allows him to meet with pilgrims to Rome and teach them on a particular area of Church teaching or spirituality. The audience also affords him an opportunity to comment on contemporary issues around the globe.
Beginning Oct. 10, an Arabic speaker will join the other people who provide a summary of the Pope's catechesis in various different languages following his main address.