Vatican City, Jun 25, 2008 / 10:20 am (CNA).- Today the Holy Father expressed his appreciation for the first Malayalam language version of the "Osservatore Romano." In a message, he said that it is his hope that the new translation will deepen the faith of those residing in the Indian state of Kerala where Malayalam is spoken.

The Pope noted that the translation is “highly significant” to the Church in India because it will keep over six million Catholics “fully informed about the ministry of the Pope and the work of the Holy See and strengthen the bonds of faith and ecclesial communion linking the Catholic community to the See of Peter.”

The Pontiff took the opportunity to offer his “prayerful good wishes for this important undertaking, together with my heartfelt thanks to the directors of the Carmel International Publishing House and to all those who in any way have contributed to its realization.”

"It is my hope that this new translation of the English edition, which now takes its place alongside the other language editions of the 'Osservatore Romano, will prove a valuable source of instruction and enrichment in the faith, an incentive to ever greater fraternity and co-operation within Kerala's richly diverse Catholic community, and an indispensable aid to the continuing work of evangelization."

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