Theology of Pope Pius XII - Sacred Scriptures

Sacred Scriptures

In 1893, Pope Leo XIII issued in Providentissimus Deus instructions for biblical research. Fifty years later, Pius XII recalls the progress made. In his encyclical . Divino Afflante Spiritu, published in 1943 he encouraged Christian theologians to revisit original versions of the Bible in Greek and Hebrew. Noting improvements in archaeology, the encyclical reversed Pope Leo XIII's encyclical, which had only advocated going back to the original texts to resolve ambiguity in the Latin Vulgate. The encyclical demands a much better understanding of ancient Jewish history and traditions. It requires bishops throughout the Church to initiate biblical studies for lay people. The Pontiff also requests a reorientation of Catholic teaching and education, relying much more on sacred scriptures in sermons and religious instruction.