Vatican: Daily newspaper to be published in Indian language

Pope Benedict XVI welcomed Wednesday the Vatican newspaper's first edition of the Malayalam language in the southern state of Kerala.

The publication mainly aimed at the majority Catholics in the state, is a translation of 'L'Osservatore Romano's ' to Malayalam.

"It is a highly significant event in the life of the Church in India," Benedict said in a message issued by the Vatican.

"It will keep the over six million Catholics in Kerala State fully informed about the ministry of the Pope and the work of the Holy See," Benedict said.

The newspaper, which will be published by the Carmel International Publishing House, will start its distribution from July 3 in several parishes in the state and country.

L'Osservatore Romano, which was founded in 1861, currently exists in Italian, English, Spanish, Portuguese, French, German and Polish.

The Malayalam edition marks the first time the Vatican's newspaper is published in a non–European language.

Over 20 percent of the population in Kerala is Christians. There are an estimated 18 million Catholics in India.