Indonesian has officially been added as one of the languages used by Vatican News, bringing the total number of languages available on the platform to 57.
The announcement was published on the platform’s official website. The addition marks a development in the dissemination of information by the Holy See to a wider global audience, including Indonesian-speaking communities.
The decision was formalised through the signing of a memorandum of understanding between representatives of Indonesia and the Holy See. The agreement was signed on Wednesday, 25 March 2026, in Rome.
The signing ceremony took place at the headquarters of Vatican News and Vatican Radio. Officials and representatives from both sides attended the event, marking the start of the Indonesian language service on the platform.
Officials Highlight Communication and Inclusivity
Indonesian Church representatives described the addition as an important step in strengthening communication. Agustinus Tri Budi Utomo, Chairman of the Commission for Social Communications of the Indonesian Bishops’ Conference (KWI), referred to the development as part of a long-standing relationship.
He said the moment reflected continued cooperation between Indonesia and the Vatican.
“This moment is a celebration of long-standing friendship,” he said.
Agustinus also stated that the inclusion of Indonesian represents recognition of Indonesia’s national identity and supports communication between local Catholics and the wider Church.
He added that access to information in Indonesian would assist Catholic communities in Indonesia and the Southeast Asian region.
“The presence of Indonesian on Vatican News is good news for Catholics in Indonesia and the Southeast Asian region,” he said. “Now, they can directly access messages from the Pope and universal Church information in their native language.”
From the Vatican side, several officials welcomed the agreement, including Paolo Ruffini, Andrea Tornielli, and Massimiliano Menichetti.
They stated that the addition of Indonesian would support broader access to Church information and improve communication efforts. They also noted that the initiative would contribute to inclusivity in delivering messages to diverse audiences.
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Access to Information for Indonesian Audience
Indonesia’s Ambassador to the Holy See, Michael Trias Kuncahyono, described the agreement as an important milestone.
“This event is a historic moment, especially for Indonesian Catholics,” he said.
He added that the Indonesian language service would allow audiences to access official information more easily.
“With the addition of Indonesian to Vatican News, Indonesians can now read various news about the Pope, the Vatican, and developments in the Catholic Church worldwide without language barriers,” he said.
Officials from both sides stated that the initiative is expected to support the distribution of global messages, including those related to peace and social values, in a format accessible to Indonesian speakers.
They also emphasised that cooperation between Indonesian institutions and the Holy See would continue through communication and media initiatives.
The launch of the Indonesian language service forms part of broader efforts by Vatican media to expand its reach across different regions and linguistic groups.
Authorities stated that coordination between stakeholders will continue to ensure the effective delivery of information through the new service.
