Translating Faith: Ethiopian Pilgrims in Renaissance Rome

In 16th-century Rome, the African diasporic community of Ethiopian Orthodox pilgrims known as Santo Stefano left extensive documents in their own language (Gǝʿǝz) and collaborated with Latin Christians to disseminate their knowledge of Ethiopia and Ethiopian Christianity. Translating Faith is the first book-length study of this community in nearly a century, documenting how they maintained Ethiopian Orthodox practices while adapting to a society increasingly committed to Catholic conformity. The ambivalent legacies of these exchanges linger today in the European tradition of Ethiopian Studies.

Format: Hardback
Length: 512 pages
Publication date: 05 March 2024
Publisher: Harvard University Press

A captivating exploration into the lives and endeavors of Ethiopian Orthodox pilgrims in sixteenth-century Rome, delving into their intricate navigation of religious pluralism within the heart of Latin Christianity. Nestled behind the sacred confines of Saint Peter's Basilica in Rome, the ancient church of Santo Stefano served as a unique abode for a diverse group of Ethiopian Orthodox pilgrims. Their faith and culture, while sharing certain similarities with Latin Europe, also exhibited distinct distinctions, making them a distinctive African diasporic community. Amongst their remarkable achievements was the preservation of extensive documents written in their native language, known as Gǝʿǝz. These documents, which provide a firsthand account of their experiences, are a valuable resource for scholars seeking to understand the intricacies of their journey.

Furthermore, the Ethiopian Orthodox pilgrims of Santo Stefano forged close alliances with Latin Christians, engaging in collaborative endeavors to disseminate their profound knowledge of Ethiopia and Ethiopian Christianity. Their interactions with Latin Christians sparked intense debates over the boundaries of religious belonging, as both groups sought to assert their authority and influence. Translating Faith, the first comprehensive study of this community in nearly a century, is a testament to the enduring legacy of these pilgrims. Drawing upon a wealth of Gǝʿǝz and European-language sources, author Samantha Kelly meticulously documents how these pilgrims managed to uphold their Ethiopian Orthodox practices while adapting to a society increasingly committed to Catholic conformity.

Kelly's focus on the pilgrims' scholarly collaborations is particularly insightful, revealing how they came to produce and share Ethiopian knowledge. Through these exchanges, both parties were exposed to new perspectives and ideas, leading to the transformation of knowledge in unexpected ways. However, the legacies of these interactions are complex and multifaceted, with both positive and negative consequences. The European tradition of Ethiopian Studies, which Santo Stefano is credited with founding, has been shaped by these exchanges, carrying with it the ambivalent legacies of interfaith dialogue and cultural exchange.

In our contemporary era, marked by intense and often violent negotiations of religious and cultural identities, the story of the Santo Stefano pilgrim community serves as a timely reminder of the potential for harmony and understanding between different faiths. It highlights the importance of dialogue, collaboration, and respect in navigating the complexities of religious pluralism, as well as the potential for mutual enrichment and growth. Through their experiences, the Ethiopian Orthodox pilgrims of Santo Stefano demonstrated that it is possible to bridge cultural divides and forge meaningful connections, even in the midst of historical and social upheaval.

In conclusion, Translating Faith offers a profound and insightful exploration into the lives and work of Ethiopian Orthodox pilgrims in sixteenth-century Rome. Through its meticulous documentation and analysis, the book sheds light on the complexities of religious pluralism, interfaith dialogue, and cultural exchange. It serves as a valuable contribution to our understanding of the past and a timely reminder of the importance of promoting harmony and understanding in our diverse and interconnected world.

Weight: 952g
Dimension: 166 x 243 x 43 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780674294172