Plans Underway to Translate the Bible into Unified Cape Verdean Creole: Catholic Bishops at Joint Presser

He continued, “We already have a multidisciplinary team formed, with biblical scholars, translators, linguists, and specialists in Cape Verdean literature. The priority is the New Testament, which already represents a demanding theological and linguistic task.”

“Having the Bible translated into Creole means bringing the Word of God even closer to the hearts of the people. It is a form of evangelization that respects our identity,” the Cape Verdean Cardinal said.

Cape Verde has more than one variety of Creole. The issue of Barlavento and Sotavento Creole variants was also raised.

Although the linguistic debate is complex, the Bishop of Santiago made clarifications, saying, “I would like the result to be a unifying version. A common language enriched by the variants, but with a shared core of understanding. Just as happened with the German language, which took shape with Luther’s translation of the Bible, our Creole can also be strengthened through the Bible.”

The 75-year-old Cardinal further stated that “the project is seen not only as a religious step, but also as a sociolinguistic and educational one, contributing to the recognition of Creole as a language of culture and spirituality.”

He noted that “translating the Bible is not just about translating words. It is about transmitting meaning, context, emotion, and faith. And that requires great cultural sensitivity.”

Another issue addressed during the press conference was the regulation of the Legal Agreement between Cape Verde and the Holy See.

“It is urgent to move to the next phase. The agreement is legally recognized, but without the definition of practical norms, many of its benefits remain unimplemented,” Cardinal Furtado said.

He explained, “This agreement aims to clarify and formalize cooperation between the Church and the State in areas such as education, social action, health, protection of heritage, legal status of the clergy, and use of ecclesiastical spaces.”

“We are working on a concrete proposal to present to the Government. We believe this regulation will bring mutual benefits, respecting the secular nature of the State but recognizing the historical and current contribution of the Church to national life,” the Catholic Church leader added.

According to the Bishop of Santiago, “The conclusion of this legislative process will allow the Church to consolidate its position as a partner in human and social development, providing legal security to its institutions and projects.”

During the joint press conference on the Catholic Church in Cape Verde, various aspects of pastoral life in the archipelago and the Cape Verdean diaspora were addressed, in view of the Jubilee marking 500 years since the founding of the Diocese of Santiago.

Bishop dos Santos of the Diocese of Mindelo outlined youth formation and evangelization as a top priority.

“Last year we had a national youth jubilee, which was unprecedented and very fruitful. This year, some young people will participate in the global meeting with the Pope. Young people are thirsty for meaning, seeking guidance, and the Church must be by their side in all environments: in the parish, at school, at the university,” he said.

The Catholic Church leader emphasized that “the challenge is not only to keep young people in the Church, but to offer them spiritual, emotional, and even psychological formation.” 

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“We live in times of many social and family tensions. We need to be a presence that welcomes, guides, and walks with young people. Youth ministry cannot be peripheral; it must be at the center of our mission,” Bishop dos Santos said.

The Catholic Bishop also underscored the importance of Priestly formation, especially for younger Clergy. 

“Our Priests are dynamic and eager to grow. Ongoing formation is essential to nurture communion, spirituality, and mission. We aim to institutionalize these formative encounters, annually or every two years,” he said.

Bishop dos Santos called for urgent updates to catechism manuals and more training for Catechists and teachers of Catholic moral and religious education.

 “We must work with the Ministry of Education to ensure the subject is well-implemented. This includes revising content, training teachers, and producing culturally relevant materials,” he said.

For Bishop dos Santos, catechesis is not just preparation for sacraments but an ongoing process of Christian formation. 

“Catechesis is where the seed of faith is planted. If we fail here, all other pastoral efforts are compromised,” he warned.

Bishop dos Santos also emphasized the importance of collaboration between the two Dioceses, saying, “We are only two Bishops, but there are many issues we can and must tackle together—youth, catechesis, Clergy formation, and social action. Working in synergy multiplies our impact.”

“We share a common identity and similar challenges. Working together is not only more effective—it’s more evangelical,” he added.