2023-06-20 13:09:00
June 20, 2023 / 6:09 a.m.
Pope Francis wrote a message addressed to the participants of the Vatican Observatory’s Astronomy and Astrophysics summer school, also known as Specola, whom he encouraged not to stop being “surprised” at the greatness of the universe.
In the letter, released this Tuesday June 20 from the Holy See Press Office, the Holy Father highlights the astonishment caused by “the great discoveries about the universe that astronomers offer us these days.”
He recalled “the wonderful” images sent back from the new James Webb Space Telescope, saying that once the Vera Rubin Observatory comes online, “we look forward to seeing the universe continue to expand and change before our very eyes.”
Later, he remarked that “the vastness of the universe has always been a source of wonder for humanity. Its size can be overwhelming, even terrifying.
He then explained that his hope is that astronomy students will not be satisfied “with the results of their research until they have also had the experience of being surprised.”
“And even though you are looking at reality through the window of astronomy, make sure you don’t neglect the other windows that can show you other important realities, such as compassion and love, realities that you are undoubtedly finding in the friendships you are forming as well. in this days”.
For the Pontiff, “perhaps the most amazing thing about this universe is that it contains creatures like us, men and women who possess the ability to look at him in amazement and question him”.
For this reason, he encouraged them to never lose the sense of being surprised and amazed, both in their research and in their lives: “May you always feel inspired by the love of truth and amazed by everything that each fragment of the universe puts before you ”.
Twenty-four students from more than twenty countries meet this week at the Vatican Observatory’s Astronomy and Astrophysics summer school.
The sessions take place at the headquarters of the Vatican Observatory, in the papal gardens of Castel Gandolfo, on the outskirts of Rome (Italy), until June 30.
Almudena Martínez-Bordiú is a Spanish journalist, correspondent for ACI Prensa in Rome and the Vatican, with four years of experience in religious information.
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