Every other year, the Vatican Observatory outside of Rome gathers together a couple dozen budding astronomers from all over the world. This year's group met with Pope Leo on June 16. The Pope talked to them about the theme of the 2025 program: Exploring the Universe with the James Webb Space Telescope.
"Surely, this must be an exciting time to be an astronomer!" Pope Leo told the students, noting how that "truly remarkable instrument" has enabled us to "trace the ancient light of distant galaxies, which speaks of the very beginning of our universe."
The Holy Father then reflected:
The authors of sacred Scripture, writing so many centuries ago, did not have the benefit of this privilege. Yet their poetic and religious imagination pondered what the moment of creation must have been like, when “the stars shone in their watches and rejoiced; and their Creator called them and they said, ‘Here we are!’ shining with gladness for him who made them” (Baruch 3:34).
In our own day, do not the James Webb images also fill us with wonder, and indeed a mysterious joy, as we contemplate their sublime beauty?
Pope Leo noted particular gratitude to the scientists behind the telescope, who have "worked hard to make these images available to the general public."
Meant to benefit others
The Pope reflected with the students that they have come to this moment of skill and expertise as "part of a much greater community."
"[N]one of you have come to this point all by yourself. [...] Think of all the people over the last thirty years who worked to build the Space Telescope and its instruments, and those who worked to develop the scientific ideas that it was designed to test. Along with the contribution of your fellow scientists, engineers and mathematicians, it was also with the support of your families and so many of your friends that you have been able to appreciate and take part in this wonderful enterprise, which has enabled us to see the world around us in a new way.
Never forget, then, that what you are doing is meant to benefit all of us. Be generous in sharing what you learn and what you experience, as best you can and however you can. Do not hesitate to share the joy and the amazement born of your contemplation of the “seeds” that, in the words of Saint Augustine, God has sown in the harmony of the universe (cf. De Genesis ad Litteram, V, 23, 44-45).
The more joy you share, the more joy you create, and in this way, through your pursuit of knowledge, each of you can contribute to building a more peaceful and just world.
With this exhortation, the Pope promised his prayers for them and their families and work, and gave his blessing.
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In the article below on the "sheer joy of knowing," find a five-minute video feature of the Vatican Observatory summer school:
Also, consider this insightful series that draws from three historical situations to consider the interplay of Church and science.
Below is some of Pope Leo's speech:
