Barnabo, Alexander Cardinal Prefect, Rome, Papal States, to Archbishop John Baptist Purcell, Cincinnati, Ohio, 1868 September 29

Since it has been customary for ages to conduct all business with the Apostolic See, except with the oriental rites, in Latin or at least Italian, it is thought that there should be no departure at the present time because it is impossible for the officials of the Holy See to understand the large numbers of languages in which business is conducted. The fact that business with the Sacred Congregation of the Propaganda has been conducted in these other languages has caused considerable delay. Consequently, Purcell is to do what he can to see that any business from his diocese, especially that conducted by the clergy, be conducted in Latin or Italian. As to Latin the Holy See calls attention to the neglect of that language throughout the world from which the difficulty, of communication arises, and by which the church is losing this bond of unity. Consequnetly, the archbishop is to do all he can to promote the study of Latin in his diocese. John Simeoni signs as Secretary. :: II-5-d Printed letter signed. Latin 1pg. 8vo.