Cooperation between science, faith benefits humanity, says Pope

(Dec.02, 2009): Scientific success should not make Humanity blind to God, Pope Benedict XVI said in a message marking an event held in the Pontifical Lateran University for the Year of Astronomy. The Pope reflected on the successes and limits of science, in a message to Monsignor Rino Fisichella, rector of the Pontifical University, which held a three-day conference that concluded on Wednesday on the theme “From Galileo's Telescope to Evolutionary Cosmology. Science, Philosophy and Theology in Dialogue."
Noting that the celebration this year, marks the 400^th anniversary of Galileo’s use of the telescope, the Pope observed that Galileo’s discovery represented a decisive step for the history of Humanity. With his first use of the telescope to study the Cosmos in 1609, Galileo penetrated the unknown paths of the universe, said the Pope, and his discoveries stirred in him, a sense of wonder for the creator of the cosmos and prompted questions about the origin and evolution of the universe. The Pope noted that today as well, the universe continues to raise questions to which, simple observation, however, is unable to give a satisfactory answer. In this context, the Pope said science, philosophy and religion do not conflict. In fact, only by coming together to exchange their expertise, will experts in these fields be able to present humankind today with truly effective results.
The Pope cautioned that great scientific discoveries always carry a risk, if people put too much emphasis on science and forget to raise their gaze toward the transcendent being, the Creator of all, who revealed his loving face in Jesus Christ.