VATICAN CITY — An incorrect translation into English of the original midterm report of the Extraordinary Synod of Bishops on the Family may have spurred controversial interpretations of the document itself.

The document’s original version was written in Italian, which Pope Francis directed to be used as the official language of the synod. In prior synods, the official language had been Latin, esteemed for its precision and lack of ambiguity.

The point of controversy occurs at Paragraph 50 of the relatio post disceptationem (post-discussion report). The Italian original, after praising the gifts and talents homosexual persons may give to the Christian community, asked: “Le nostre comunità sono in grado di esserlo accettando e valutando il loro orientamento sessuale, senza compromettere la dottrina cattolica su famiglia e matrimonio?”

In the English translation provided by the Vatican, this is rendered as: “Are our communities capable of providing that, accepting and valuing their sexual orientation, without compromising Catholic doctrine on the family and matrimony?”

The key word “valutando” was translated into English by the Vatican as “valuing.”

 “Valutando” in fact means “evaluating,” and in this context, it would be better translated with “weighing” or “considering.”

The English translation, in contrast, suggests a positive valuing of the homosexual lifestyle, which could create confusion among those who are faithful to the teaching of the Church.

The translation was not an “official” translation — the Vatican website notes at the top it is an “unofficial translation” — but it was the working translation delivered by the Holy See Press Office in order to help journalists who are not confident in Italian with their work.

However, to date, only this “working translation” has been provided in English.

The document was first delivered in Italian, shortly before Cardinal Peter Erdo of Esztergom-Budapest, Hungary, general rapporteur of the synod, was going to read it in front of the assembly. After about half an hour, the document was available in English, French, Spanish and German translations and delivered via a bulletin of the Holy See Press Office.