Pope Leo XIV addressed pilgrims on Wednesday at the Paul VI Hall and called Sacred Scripture the heart of Christian life, faith and mission. According to Vatican News, the teaching formed part of his ongoing reflections on the Second Vatican Council document Dei Verbum. The address highlighted how the Word of God nourishes the Christian community, fortifies believers and guides daily life.
He explained that the Church has always venerated the Scriptures alongside the Eucharist and continues to draw strength from them as a living source of renewal. The Pope reminded Catholics that God’s message answers humanity’s thirst for meaning and truth, even amid the many empty voices of modern life.
He emphasised the close relationship between Christ, the Bible and the ecclesial community, noting that the sacred texts arose among the people of God and now find their proper home within the Church, where their meaning is revealed and proclaimed. Christ, he said, is the living Word present throughout every page.
Reading and meditating on the Scriptures, he added, helps believers know Christ more deeply and enter into dialogue with God. He encouraged families to pray regularly with the Bible. He also urged bishops, priests, deacons and catechists to become more familiar with it. He added that Scripture sustains worship, theology and evangelisation and strengthens the Church’s mission to the world.