“My only further comment was that there is no such thing as Catholic “interpretation” of the scripture anymore than there is such a thing as Shakespeare’s interpretation of the Hamlet”
Shakespeare wrote Hamlet, the Roman Catholic Church did not write the scriptures; they interpret them just as do others according to its hermeneutic and system of theology.
I wouldn’t argue about words, although as a Catholic Christian when I give the Catholic view on the scripture I explain it rather than merely interpret it. I leave interpreting to individuals. There are times when I might wish to interpret the scripture as an individual, but I usually resist the temptation.
It is true that the holy Apostles and their assigns wrote the New Testament scripture and offered the explanation of the Old Testament. They are themselves, and in persons, Catholic clergy. Further, the Catholic Church sorted out their writings and decided on the canonicity thereof. There is an intimate relationship that the Catholic and Orthodox Church of the first seven councils enjoys with regard to the holy scripture. To call this relationship “interpretation” is to intentionally slander it, and put it on the level of men such as Luther or Calvin.