Main Points
Sacred Scripture, Saint Jerome, Scriptural Love, Ignorance of Christ, and Biblical Exegesis.
Description
Scripturae Sacrae Affectus is an apostolic letter by Pope Francis issued in 2020 to commemorate the 1600th anniversary of Saint Jerome's death, celebrating his enduring legacy as a scholar, translator, and exegete profoundly devoted to sacred Scripture.[^1] The document recounts Jerome's life journey—from his conversion dream rejecting classical literature for Christ, through his travels, ascetic life in the desert, and establishment of monasteries in Bethlehem—to his tireless work on biblical translations like the Vulgate and commentaries that made God's word accessible.[^1] Its main themes include a "living and tender love" for the Bible as the source of Christian truth, Jerome's role bridging East and West as a Doctor of the Church, and the spiritual fruits of scriptural study amid trials.[^1] Theologically, it emphasizes Scripture's centrality in encountering Christ—"ignorance of the Scriptures is ignorance of Christ"—urging modern believers to prioritize biblical engagement for faith, prayer, and defense of truth, affirming Jerome's timeless relevance.[^1]
