Cardinal Roche Presents Decree Approving Tok Pisin Translation of the Roman Missal

VATICAN CITY — 20 October 2025 - In a historic moment for the Catholic Church in Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands, Cardinal Arthur Roche, Prefect of the Dicastery for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments, has formally presented the Decree granting recognition of the new Tok Pisin translation of the Roman Missal.

The presentation took place in Vatican City and marks a significant milestone in the Church's ongoing mission to promote active participation in the liturgy and foster a deeper understanding of the faith through local languages.

Cardinal Roche presented the official Decree to Sir John Cardinal Ribat, MSC, Archbishop of Port Moresby, during a ceremony attended by leaders of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands (CBC PNGSI).

Among those witnessing the event were Bishop Otto Separy, President of CBC PNGSI; Bishop Rozario Menezes, SMM, Vice President; and Fr. Tomás Ravaioli, IVE, Director of the Liturgical Catechetical Institute (LCI) and who was instrumental in the new Tok Pisin translation of the Roman Missal.

Speaking at the ceremony, Cardinal Roche highlighted the importance of celebrating the Eucharist in the language of the people, saying that “the liturgy finds its fullest expression when it speaks to the heart of the faithful.” He commended the years of dedicated work by translators, clergy, and lay collaborators who contributed to producing a faithful and dignified translation of the Roman Missal in Tok Pisin.

Cardinal Ribat expressed deep gratitude to the Holy See and to all who contributed to the project, describing the approval as “a gift for the Church in Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands, allowing our people to pray and worship in the language that carries their faith and culture.”

The new Tok Pisin Roman Missal is expected to be introduced progressively across dioceses in the coming months, accompanied by liturgical formation and pastoral guidelines to ensure its proper implementation.

This milestone marks a new chapter in the inculturation of the liturgy in Oceania, affirming the Church’s commitment to unity in faith and diversity in expression.

Photo courtesy - Father Tomas Ravaioli IVE