But amid this variety of languages a primary place must surely be given to that language which had its origins in Latium, and later proved so admirable a means for the spreading of Christianity throughout the West.
And since in God's special Providence this language united so many nations together under the authority of the Roman Empire -- and that for so many centuries -- it also became the rightful language of the Apostolic See. Preserved for posterity, it proved to be a bond of unity for the Christian peoples of Europe.
Of its very nature Latin is most suitable for promoting every form of culture among peoples. It gives rise to no jealousies. It does not favor any one nation, but presents itself with equal impartiality to all and is equally acceptable to all.
Nor must we overlook the characteristic nobility of Latin for mal structure. Its "concise, varied and harmonious style, full of majesty and dignity" makes for singular clarity and impressiveness of expression.
~
John XXIII, methinks.
ReplyDeleteMe also thinks
ReplyDeleteCertainly not Shaka Zulu.
ReplyDeleteJohn XXIII??
Yep.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.adoremus.org/VeterumSapientia.html
I'm too late, but, before looking, I did say John XXIII.
ReplyDelete