Pope says without inspiration Scripture is denied its divine source

(April 20, 2012) The element of inspiration is of such importance in the study of Sacred Scripture that without it these texts cannot be attributed to God. Pope Benedict XVI made the point in a message to the plenary assembly of the Pontifical Biblical Commission that concluded in the Vatican on Friday. The April 16-20 meeting had as its theme, “Inspiration and Truth of the Bible”. “An interpretation of sacred texts that ignores or forgets their inspiration, denies them their most important and precious characteristic, that is their source in God,” the Pope said. This is why, he said, a more deep understanding of the dynamics of inspiration will undoubtedly lead also to a greater understanding of the truth contained in the sacred books. The Pope further explained that even though the act of Revelation ended with the death of the last apostle, the revealed Word of God continues to be announced and interpreted by the living Tradition of the Catholic Church. Tradition that traces its origin to the Apostles advances with the help of the Holy Spirit and grows with the reflection and study of believers, with the personal experience of spiritual life and the preaching of bishops. The Pope thus urged the Pontifical Biblical Commission to promote the knowledge, study and love for the Word of God in the world.