The Lord’s Prayer, also known as Pater Noster, has been translated into hundreds of languages from the original texts in ancient Greek, Hebrew and Aramaic. But the words learned by millions of English and Italian-speaking believers are due to be changed after a 16-year long research carried out by experts “from a theological, pastoral and stylistic viewpoint” found a significant mistake in these translations.
According to the project, the line “lead us not into temptation” should be changed to “abandon us not when in temptation”.
This proposal, which has been submitted for approval to the Vatican, is likely to be welcomed by Pope Francis, who last year noted “a father does not lead into temptation, a father helps you to get up immediately”.
He added: “It is not a good translation because it speaks of a God who induces temptation.”
As pointed out by the pontiff himself, other translations have already been changed, both to correct mistakes and to bring into prayers a more modern language.
Pope Francis said: “The French have modified the prayer to ‘do not let me fall into temptation’, because it is me who falls, not the Lord who tempts me to then see how I fall”.
Upon announcing the study on the translation of the Pater Noster was concluded, a representative from the Episcopal Conference said: “The Bishops intend for the publication of the new edition to be an opportunity to help renew the ecclesiastic community.
“Liturgical reforms are just a starting point.
“The renewal shall include ordained ministers, as well as the believers.
“Developments like these are becoming increasingly crucial in the process of Christian initiation, in workshops and in proposals for the permanent training of the clergy.”
Spanish-speaking believers have also seen their translation of the prayer changed, with the line “forgive us our trespasses” being turned into “forgive us our mistakes”.
This prayer is not the only one that has been subjected to changes.
One of the first lines of the “Glory to God in the highest”, also known as Gloria, will be modified, going from “peace on Earth to men of good will” to “peace on Earth to men beloved of the Lord”.