When receiving in the audience the members of the Studium Biblicum Franciscanum, Pope Francis gave his welcome, first of all greeting the patriarch, Cardinal Pizzaballa, and reminding those present that they are in Rome, where the apostle Peter arrived almost two thousand years ago. He also took the opportunity to remember that the Studium Biblicum Franciscanum was inaugurated in Jerusalem, in the Sanctuary of the Flagellation, on January 7, 1924, and that a few years later it was linked to the Colegio San Antonio de Rome, today the Pontifical University Antonianum, to which the Pontiff spontaneously added:
“I take this opportunity to say that there are too many ecclesiastical universities in Rome: you must agree and make some kind of unity: unity in the study plans… but agree, talk”
After stating that since its foundation, its history has always been linked to the presence of the Minor Brothers in the Holy Land. Today, one hundred years later, the Holy Father wanted to remember some of its aspects: “First of all, the fact that the Studio, with its Library and Museum, has given and continues to give impetus to important archaeological excavations, in various sites, carrying out valuable discoveries, to the point of obtaining, in 2001, recognition as Facultas Scientiarum Biblicarum et Archaeologiae”.
Don’t Lose Sight of This Approach to Scripture
And since in this way its peculiarity of combining the study of Sacred Scripture with the stay in the Holy Places and archaeological research was determined – which has allowed it to considerably expand and deepen its programs and methodologies – the Pope told them that with On the occasion of his centenary he wanted to exhort them “not to lose sight of this approach to Scripture. May the rigorous and scientific study of biblical sources, enriched by the most current methods and related disciplines, be for all of them always linked to contact with the life of God’s holy people and oriented to their pastoral service, in harmony and benefit. of his specific charisma in the Church.”
“The study, meditation, reflection of the Bible and biblical texts, but in the heart of the Church, which is the faithful holy people of God who walks. Outside the body of the Church, these studies are of no use. What is valuable is the heart of the Church, of Holy Mother Church.”
Pain for the current situation in the Holy Land
Before concluding his speech, the Pontiff stated that “the current situation of the Holy Land and the peoples who inhabit it involves us and hurts us. It is very serious from all points of view. It’s very serious. I have listened to Father Faltas, the things he has shown me, and every day I communicate with the parish of Gaza, which suffers so much from this situation.” These are just two examples, but it’s bigger than that. This situation is very serious. We must pray and act tirelessly for this tragedy to end. May this encourage you even more to deepen the reasons and quality of your presence in those martyred places, your presence there, in the martyrdom of that people, in which the roots of our faith are rooted.
Thanks from the Holy Father
What would you say to the Franciscans? Thank you for your presence in the Holy Land, thank you. And bravely move forward. Thank you. I appreciate everything you do. I bless you from the bottom of my heart. And I ask you not to forget to pray for me. And thanks.
