12 April, 2013 - The interpretation of Holy Scripture cannot be solely an individual
scientific effort, but must always be compared, inserted and authenticated by the
living tradition of the Church. Pope Francis made this observation to 27 members
of the Pontifical Biblical Commission who held their plenary assembly in the Vatican,
April 8-12, concluding a series of studies on inspiration and truth of the Bible.
The Pope told the group that the interpreter of sacred texts must be aware of the
Word of God in the Biblical texts, placing them within the very faith of the Church.
The Holy Father noted that the life and mission of the Church is based on the Word
of God, which is the soul of theology and inspiration of Christian life. There exists
an inseparable unity between Sacred Scripture and Tradition of the Church, as both
issue from the same source, i.e. God. The centre of our faith, the Pope continued,
is not a book, but a history of salvation, above all the history of a person - Jesus
Christ, the Word of God made flesh, Pope Francis said. In order to understand the
Word of God adequately, he said, it is necessary to be aware of the constant presence
of the Holy Spirit who guides the entire truth.