Vatican City, Sep 15, 2016 / 12:35 pm
Created in the image of God, human beings have a dignity they are in danger of degrading when they place material possessions above God in their hearts, Pope Francis said Thursday.
"Reflect on how we are created, formed in the image and likeness of the Creator, the difference with other creatures and with all creation is essential," Pope Francis said during an audience with the Italian Biblical Association Sept. 15.
"This helps us to understand the dignity that we all have, men and women, dignity which has its roots in the same Creator."
Pope Francis met with the Italian Biblical Association on the occasion of National Bible Week about their work, which has included discussing the relationship between man and woman as it is written in Scripture.
Pope Francis referenced St. Pope John Paul II's general audience addresses on the "Theology of the Body," given from 1979-1984, and his own catechesis from a general audience on April 15, 2015, commenting on the first account of creation.