Rome, Italy. From 17 to 21 November, the Catholic Biblical Federation (CBF) held its annual Executive Committee meeting together with the Council of Regional Coordinators in Rome. The gathering aimed to evaluate the federation’s work in various episcopal conferences, review the management of regional coordinators, and assess the implementation of agreements adopted at the 2023 World Assembly in Mar del Plata. New associate members were also approved, including the Claretian Province of Brazil.
The opening session included an audience with Pope Leo XIV, who encouraged participants to become a “living letter written not with ink, but with the Spirit of God,” bearing witness to the Gospel in a world where it is often overlooked. The Holy Father also emphasized the need to promote easy and renewed access to Sacred Scripture, especially among young people and in digital environments.
Delegates also held discussions with Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, President of the Federation, who highlighted the main pastoral challenges in proclaiming the Word of God today. Key concerns included the cultural distance many communities have from the Gospel and the urgent need for new methods to bring the Bible to emerging contexts.
Representing the Claretian family were Fr. Manuel Villalobos, CMF, coordinator of the North America region (USA–Canada), and Jaime Michea, from San José del Sur, a member of CBF’s Executive Committee. Both emphasized the fraternal atmosphere of the meeting and the importance of continuing to promote biblical initiatives in collaboration with dioceses and ecclesial organizations.
In his address, Pope Leo XIV recalled the teachings of Dei Verbum on its 60th anniversary, stressing the importance of listening devoutly to the Word and proclaiming it confidently. He encouraged the Federation to explore new ways to provide access to Scripture, particularly for people and cultures who have not yet encountered the Gospel. He concluded by urging all participants to be authentic witnesses to the Gospel amid the many competing voices of the contemporary world.
The sessions concluded with a renewed commitment from all participants to strengthen biblical mission within the Church and to continue promoting the reading, study, and living of God’s Word.
