Vatican City. Vatican News, the Holy See’s official media platform, on Wednesday launched an Indonesian-language edition following a lengthy preparation process.

The initiative is the result of cooperation between the Indonesian Bishops’ Conference (KWI) and Vatican authorities. The agreement was signed by Agustinus Tri Budi Utomo, head of KWI’s communications commission, and Paolo Ruffini, prefect of the Dicastery for Communication, in the presence of Indonesia’s ambassador to the Holy See, Michael Trias Kuncahyono.

Indonesian becomes the 57th language officially used by Vatican News, following a proposal by the Indonesian Catholic Journalists Association (PWKI) in 2022.

“The use of Indonesian is a celebration of enduring friendship, recognition of our national identity, and a strengthening of the bridge of faith between Indonesia and the heart of the universal Church,” Agustinus said in a statement.

He added that the memorandum of understanding opens direct access for Indonesian Catholics to information from the global Church, allowing them to hear the voice of the Pope and Church messages in their native language.

“History records that the Vatican was among the first sovereign states to recognize Indonesia’s independence,” he said.

Representing the Vatican, Ruffini said communicating in one’s native language is among the most effective ways to connect with people, and this was a key consideration in serving Indonesian audiences.

Ambassador Michael welcomed the signing of the agreement after what he described as a long journey, calling it a historic moment for both the Indonesian people and the Catholic Church in the country.

Beyond its religious significance, the move also carries geopolitical weight. The Vatican maintains formal diplomatic relations with 184 countries, making it one of the most globally connected states after the United States, which has ties with 193 nations.

The adoption of Indonesian by Vatican News underscores longstanding ties dating back to the Holy See’s recognition of Indonesia’s independence in July 1947.

During a meeting in April 2024, a PWKI delegation was informed that the use of Indonesian in Vatican News would require a formal memorandum of understanding, which has now been realized.