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When translation and religion don’t go

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To the delight of some journalists, an error appeared in the German translation of a book about Pope Benoît XVI, which bought about another debate regarding the Pope and his position on certain matters.

The book, called « Light of the world » contains an error within the translation of the text. The book states that the Pope and the church could accept the use of condoms, especially in cases such as prostitution, in order to reduce the spreading of AIDS. The Italian version talks about a female prostitute, whereas the German version has changed this to a male prostitute. Whether the translation be in German, Italian, or even English, the Popes ideas on this matter have progressed in recent years.

The correction came very late for this professional translation

Whatever happens, the Vatican confirms that this professional translation error will be corrected in future editions of the book. According to a source: “It is not a realistic or moral solution, but in certain cases, and in order to reduce the transmission of the infection (AIDS), this is maybe the first step towards a more human approach towards sexuality”. According to the Vatican journalist Luigi Accattoli, who confronted the press « Everything is indicating that the Pope would like a change regarding this issue, the married couple with one being infected, a person who cannot or will not avoid multiple relationships, a prostitute who could infect her clients. » were given as examples.