Pope Leo XIV Says the Word of God Answers Humanity’s Search for Meaning and Truth
During his weekly General Audience on February 11, 2026, Pope Leo XIV reflected on the central role of the Word of God in the life of the Church, emphasizing that Sacred Scripture responds to humanity’s deepest thirst for meaning and truth. Speaking to pilgrims gathered in the Paul VI Hall, the Pope continued his catechesis series on the documents of the Second Vatican Council, focusing on the Dogmatic Constitution Dei Verbum on Divine Revelation.
The Holy Father observed that modern society is surrounded by countless words, many of which fail to touch the core of human existence. While people may hear wise or inspiring messages, he noted that not all words shape their ultimate destiny. In contrast, the Word of God speaks directly to the human heart and places believers in a living dialogue with the Lord.
Pope Leo explained that Dei Verbum highlights the profound and vital link between the Word of God and the Church. He recalled that the Council teaches that the Church venerates Sacred Scripture just as she venerates the Body of the Lord. This reverence, he said, reflects the deep conviction that Scripture is not merely a historical text but a living source of faith that continues to nourish the Christian community.
The Pope stressed that the power of Sacred Scripture flows from its intimate connection with Jesus Christ. Christ, he said, is the living Word of the Father, the Word made flesh. All the Scriptures proclaim His person and His saving presence for humanity. Through Scripture, believers encounter Christ and grow in their relationship with Him.
According to Pope Leo, the rightful home of Sacred Scripture is the Church. Inspired by the Holy Spirit, the Bible arose from within the people of God and remains destined for them. Within the Christian community, Scripture finds the environment where its meaning can unfold and its transformative power can be fully realized. The Church therefore has a constant desire that the Word of God reach every member and strengthen their journey of faith.
At the same time, the Word of God propels the Church outward in mission. It calls believers to share the message of Christ with the wider world. In this way, Scripture does not confine the Church to itself but opens it to dialogue and evangelization.
Quoting Saint Jerome, who taught that ignorance of Scripture is ignorance of Christ, the Pope emphasized that the ultimate purpose of reading and meditating on the Bible is to know Christ more deeply. Through Him, believers enter into a personal relationship with God, understood as a conversation rooted in prayer. Pope Leo described Revelation itself as a dialogue in which God speaks to humanity as to friends, inviting a response of faith.
He also underscored the responsibility of bishops, priests, deacons and catechists to cultivate a deep love for Sacred Scripture. Those entrusted with proclaiming the Word must be especially formed by it, as Scripture sustains the Church’s life, including the celebration of the Mass and the Sacraments. The Pope acknowledged the valuable contribution of biblical scholars and theologians, noting that theology finds its foundation and soul in the Word of God.
