Founded in 1909 by Pope Pius X, it is an institution of the Holy See entrusted to the Society of Jesus (Jesuits).

[1][2][3] The Pontifical Biblical Institute, along with the Pontifical Biblical Institute Library, was founded by Pope Pius X in the apostolic letter Vinea Electa in 1909 as a centre of advanced studies in Holy Scripture.

In 1928, it was licensed by Pope Pius XI to grant doctorates in affiliation with the Pontifical Gregorian University, independently of the commission.

[5] A branch was opened in Jerusalem by Alexis Mallon SJ in 1927[6] and received the mummy of Iret-hor-iru as a gift from Jesuits in Alexandria in 1928.

Cardinal Bea is particularly noteworthy for having defended the university against charges of Modernism before the Second Vatican Council.