In the meeting with the Universal Biblical Alliance, Francis recalled that still today many people are forced to flee their land and take the Word of God with them, and in this way they spread it. Around the world, 1.5 billion people still cannot read the Scriptures in their own language. The pontiff encouraged continued translations and distribution on all continents.
Vatican City () – The Bible is the baggage of persecuted Christians, who are still forced to leave their land today. But it is also with this testimony that the word of God is spread throughout the world, Pope Francis said today at the audience he gave in the Vatican to a delegation from the Universal Biblical Alliance, headed by Secretary General Dirk Gevers.
The pontiff recalled the work of the apostles who – after Easter and illuminated by the power of the Spirit – “explain the meaning of the Scriptures in the light of the mystery of Jesus Christ, and warn against those who use them with bad intentions or for petty interests”. Even today – Pope Francis commented – “the Word is proclaimed, heard and lived in favorable and unfavorable circumstances, by different paths and with different expressions, facing serious difficulties and persecutions, in a world often deaf to the voice of God “.
“The nascent Church lives on the Word, proclaims it and, when persecuted, flees with it as the only baggage,” he continued. In this way, persecutions become opportunities to spread the Word, to never forget it. I think of so many Christians who, in our time, are forced to flee their land. Men and women who flee carrying with them the Word they have received, like the first believers. They guard their faith as the treasure that gives meaning to the harsh circumstances, sometimes terrible, that they must face and embracing the cross of Christ they venerate the Word of God that remains forever.
The Universal Bible Alliance is an interfaith organization, founded in 1946, which brings together and coordinates the work of approximately 150 Bible societies around the world. Its task is to translate, print and disseminate the biblical text, with special attention to the situation of the most economically disadvantaged countries in the world. According to data from the Universal Biblical Alliance, there are still 1.5 billion people in the world who cannot read the Bible in their own language. And there are 400 translation projects underway to respond to this situation.
The Pope praised the “commendable work” carried out by the Universal Biblical Alliance. “The data that you publish is significant; and I am glad to know that this task is being carried out more and more in collaboration with many Catholics in many countries. I ask the Holy Spirit – he concluded – to guide and always support your service “.
