Let's have some fun with the pope

[l0rca]

In the spirit* of the holidays and evolution, I'd like to present to you guys a "guest argument;" Pope John Paul's eloquent 1995-96 address to Science about evolution. It's rather big, but worth the read. I invite anyone here (along with myself, when I have more time), to intelligently refute, or comment on his address. I've never seen anyone of the skeptic community give it an intelligent look.

The entire letter can be found here: http://www.ncseweb.org/resources/articles/7445_statements_from_religious_org_12_19_2002.asp#rom2

Below is the introduction, just in case the link places people astray among the other letters and articles.

Message to Pontifical Academy of Sciences1
October 22, 1996

To the Members of the Pontifical Academy of Sciences taking part in the Plenary Assembly

With great pleasure I address cordial greetings to you, Mr President, and to all of you who constitute the Pontifical Academy of Sciences, on the occasion of your plenary assembly. I offer my best wishes in particular to the new academicians, who have come to take part in your work for the first time. I would also like to remember the academicians who died during the past year, whom I commend to the Lord of life.

1. In celebrating the 60th anniversary of the Academy's refoundation, I would like to recall the intentions of my predecessor Pius XI, who wished to surround himself with a select group of scholars, relying on them to inform the Holy See in complete freedom about developments in scientific research, and thereby to assist him in his reflections.

He asked those whom he called the Church's Senatus scientificus to serve the truth. I again extend this same invitation to you today, certain that we will all be able to profit from the fruitfulness of a trustful dialogue between the Church and science (cf. Address to the Academy of Sciences, n. 1, 28 October 1986, L'Osservatore Romano English edition, 24 November 1986, p. 22).

*defined as mood, or theme

 

[c4ts]

I'm arranging a trip to Italy this summer. No way am I going to miss the Vatican. Maybe I'll knock the hat off the Pope.


And get shot.