Pope Francis says no 'opposition' between faith and science

Pope Francis said “there cannot and must not be any opposition between faith and science” in a video message sent to a meeting sponsored by the University of Teramo in Italy on July 2.

The pontiff said “no scientific knowledge should stand alone and believe it is self-sufficient. Historical reality is increasingly becoming a single reality and needs to be served in the plurality of knowledge.”

“You, dear friends of science, are entrusted with the task of bearing witness to the possibility of constructing a new social bond,” said Pope Francis in his message during the online meeting.

“Committing yourselves to making scientific research close to the whole community … and showing that together it is possible to overcome every conflict,” he added.

He said that never before has the need for a revival of scientific research been so keenly felt to rise to the challenges of contemporary society.

He said the health emergency brought about by the pandemic prompted scientists to rethink the prospects for prevention, treatment and health organization. 

The pope said scientists are taking into account the “anthropological implications” linked to sociality and the quality of relationships within the family and between generations.

Referring to his encyclical "Fratelli  Tuti,” Pope Francis said the “risk that a single scientific advance will be seen as the only possible lens for viewing a particular aspect of life, society and the world” should not be overlooked.

Calling scientists as teachers of a new generation of peacemakers, the pope urged them “to accompany the formation of the new generations, teaching them not to be afraid of the effort of research.” - Frank Krishner / RVA News