Environment & Energy

Pope to scientists: Harmonise faith and science in the pursuit for truth
Pope Francis urges scientists to harmonise faith and science in their pursuit of truth, emphasising that both stem from God's absolute truth and should serve humanity.

By Francesca Merlo

Pope Francis on Thursday addressed Participants at the second conference of the Vatican Specola, which focused on the theme of “Black Holes, Gravitational Waves and Space-Time Singularities”.

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As the scientists gathered to debate “the latest questions posed by scientific research in cosmology”, Pope Francis assured them that “the Church is attentive to such research and promotes it, because it shakes the sensitivity and intelligence of the men and women of our time”.

He went on to highlight that the beginning of the universe, its ultimate evolution, and the profound structure of space and time “confront human beings with a frantic search for meaning, in a vast scenario where they risk losing themselves”. He noted that through psalms, amongst other things, it becomes clear that these themes have a particular relevance for theology, philosophy, science and also for the spiritual life.

An example of this was, in fact, George Lemaître, whom the Holy Father described as “an exemplary priest and scientist” whose “human and spiritual journey represents a model of life from which we can all learn” as he understood that “science and faith follow two different and parallel paths, between which there is no conflict”.

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