A Franciscan letter reports Christian life at Khanbaliq
About this date: The date belongs to John's letter; its reports of earlier travel and language study cover several preceding years.
John of Montecorvino writes from China about his journey through India, preaching, and translation of the New Testament and Psalter into a language used among the Mongols.
Historical context
The letter records the practical constraints of long-distance mission, including disrupted routes, years without news, and dependence on local language learning.
Key points
- John recalls a stay in India before reaching China.
- He reports translation and the copying of books.
- Travel and communication remain vulnerable to warfare.
People
- John of Montecorvino
- Nicholas of Pistoia
Sources and further reading
- Report from China
Primary report of travel, translation, and isolation.