Pope urges scientists to work for peace, protect the planet

Scientific inquiry, research and discoveries should lead to awe in the presence of God, who created the world and human intelligence, but it also should lead to a greater commitment to peace and human development, the pope told the scientists Sept. 10. The 80 academicians, who include dozens of Nobel Prize winners, come from the fields of astronomy, chemistry, mathematics, physics, biology, medicine, botany, zoology, genetics and physiology and other specialties. Members are chosen based on their scientific achievements, not their religious beliefs, and study issues of concern to the Vatican. "As far as I am aware, no other religious institution has such an academy," the pope told members, but "many religious leaders have expressed an interest in establishing one." Established in 1603, the academy demonstrates the church's commitment to truth and to learning about "life in all its symphonic splendor," the pope said. Science should lead to a greater appreciation of God's creativity, he said, but it also should lead to a greater commitment by people to protect the world God created and help the people God made.