Vatican City, Jan 27, 2005 / 22:00 pm
The Holy See announced this week it will sponsor a contest for articles and reports on film and television that highlight the contribution of the classical languages “in the scientific and cultural development of Europe.”
The Pontifical Council for Historical Science explained that “the progressive decline of knowledge of Greek and Latin means a growing number of students will not be capable of undertaking not only historical studies, but also philological, philosophical and theological studies as well.”
Sources with the Council said the contest seeks to promote an “increase in the teaching of classical languages in European schools and universities and in countries with European cultures.”
Awards will be given for articles published in film and television newspapers and journals that “reflect the significance of Latin and Greek for the scientific and cultural development of Europe.”