The Churches of various nations of the world are restoring one after another, in the Mass, the words of the consecration of the chalice taken verbatim from the Gospels and in use for centuries, but in recent decades replaced almost everywhere with a different translation.

While the traditional text in its foundational Latin version still says: "Hic est enim calix sanguinis mei […] qui pro vobis et pro multis effundetur," the new postconciliar formulas have read into "pro multis" an imaginary "pro omnibus." And instead of "for many," they have translated "for all."

Already in the last phase of the pontificate of John Paul II, the attempt was made by a few Vatican officials, including Joseph Ratzinger, to revive in the translations fidelity to "pro multis." But with no success.

Benedict XVI has taken the situation in hand personally. Proof of this is in the letter that he wrote last April 14 to the bishops of Germany.

The complete translation of the letter is reproduced further below. In it, Benedict XVI summarizes the main issues of the controversy, to substantiate better his decision to restore a correct translation of "pro multis."

Full Story, including full transcript of Pope Benedict's letter: "For many" or "for all"? The right answer is the first

Source: Chiesaespresso/La repubblica