The Pope has said there is much scientific proof of evolution; in 2006 the Vatican sponsored a scientific conference on climate change. However, on some issues his views go against the general flow of the scientific community’s. He has defended the Catholic Church’s 1663 heresy trial of Galileo.
A speech that was to be given by Pope Benedict XVI at La Sapienza University, Rome, was cancelled after protests at his comments on Galileo’s trial. The protesters – students and lecturers – accused the Pope of being hostile towards science.
An Editorial in The Lancet discusses this theme.
The writer explains that the Pope has been less positive when it comes to statements regarding world health. In spite of asking the Pontifical Council for Health Pastoral Care to undertake a scientific, technical, and moral study on HIV/AIDS prevention, Benedict has not altered his position on the use of condoms as one of the measures to prevent HIV infection. His anti-abortion legalization views have been clearly reiterated.
Of the 1.1 billion Catholics that exist on this planet, not all agree with Benedict’s viewpoint on science and health. A growing number of Catholics and clerical leaders realize the significant contribution condoms can make towards tackling the HIV/AIDS pandemic – they are also becoming increasingly aware of the number of women who die annually from unsafe abortions – the figure is estimated to stand at 68,000 a year.
Cardinal Carlo Maria Martini, on the other hand, backs condoms in the HIV/AIDS fight, and has said that the legalization of abortion has significantly reduced the number of back-street (illegal) abortions. Cardinal Carlo Maria Martini was a candidate for the papacy in 2005.
The Editorial explains that many Catholic aid workers who do essential and extraordinary work in developing countries have privately distributed condoms to HIV patients.
“It is progressive Catholics like these who remind us that science and religion are not incompatible. Dialogue between scientists and Catholic leaders must always be kept open, on university campuses and elsewhere, even if scientists disagree with the church’s interpretation of the world around us,” the writer concludes.
“The Pope’s Mixed Record on Science”
The Lancet Volume 371 • Number 9609 • January 26-February 1, 2008
Written by – Christian Nordqvist