The Mass is only in English if you are attending in a community where English is commonly spoken. The approved text of the Mass is still composed in Latin and then translated into the vernacular by committees of experts and approved by Bishops for use in their dioceses.
This represents a change from the past. Until the early 1970s, the Mass was always celebrated worldwide in Latin, even in communities where no one understood Latin. This was one of the major changes implement as a result of the Vatican II Council. The changes was made to enable greater participation and wider comprehension. At the same time that translations were made into the vernacular, other major changes were made in the content and order of the Mass.
After Vatican II
Until the Second Vatican Counsel (commonly referred to as "Vatican II") that was held in the early 1960s, Catholic mass was always held in Latin to preserve the original Roman traditions. After Vatican II was concluced in December 1965, the Catholic Church decided that mass would be held in the local vernacular instead of in Latin.
The language of the Church is Latin. Vatican II changed the Mass to be in the language of the people of the country. Latin remains the universal language of the church.
Yes, it was. It was often recited in Latin.
Latin was the primary language of the Roman Empire and is still the language of the Roman Catholic Church. The Roman Empire was a major force in the world for several thousands of years, beginning with Romulus and Remus (according to myths) and stretching for a thousand years beyond the birth of Christ. Through Vatican II Latin was also the language used at all Catholic masses.
Vatican Council II (1962 - 1965) was held in Vatican City located in Rome, Italy.
Mass was spoken in Latin and the priest faced the tabernacle with his back toward the congregation.
Vatican II lasted approximately 3 years: 1962-1965.
Yes
There has never been an official language of the Vatican, contrary to much popular opinion. That said, the Vatican II in 1962 brought about the celebration of the Mass in more modern languages (English, French, German, etc.) instead of Latin. The only requirement for Latin is during the reading of the Consecration.
In Vatican City, thus the name Vatican Council II.
Popes John XXIII and Paul VI were popes during Vatican II.