VATICAN CITY (VIS) – Pope John Paul this week addressed the
plenary session of the Pontifical Academy of Sciences as it meets in the
Vatican on the theme “The Cultural Values of Science.”
The Pope remarked that “it is thanks to science that we have a greater
understanding today of man's place in the universe, of the connections
between human history and the history of the cosmos, … of the remarkable
complexity and at the same time the astonishing coordination of the life
processes themselves. It is thanks to science that we are able to
appreciate ever more what one member of this Academy has called 'the wonder of being human'.”
The Holy Father pointed out that “this knowledge represents an
extraordinary and profound value for the entire human family, and it is of
immeasurable significance for the disciplines of theology and philosophy
… as they seek an ever more complete understanding of the wealth of human
knowledge and Biblical revelation.”
He noted that because scientists “'know more', they are called to 'serve
more'.” They must responsibly use their freedom of research, he added, “for
the benefit of the entire human family. Here I am thinking not only of the
dangers involved in a science devoid of an ethic firmly grounded in the
nature of the human person, … (but also) of the enormous benefits that
science can bring to the peoples of the world through basic research and
technological applications.” The scientific community, in seeking the
common good, must “protect its legitimate authority from economic and
political pressures” and “not give in to the forces of consensus or to the
quest for profit.”
In closing remarks, John Paul II urged scientists to ask themselves if
they can do more to help the world's peoples, “to do more to increase
levels of instruction and improve health conditions, study strategies for a
more equitable distribution of resources, facilitate the free circulation
of information. … Can they not make their voices heard more clearly and
with greater authority in the cause of world peace?”
(This article courtesy of the Vatican Information Service.)