POPE INSISTS ON TRUTH

On May 11, Pope Leo XIV told members of the Vatican Observatory Foundation that nothing is a bigger threat to both religion and science today than the denial of the existence of objective truth. Thus did he make a frontal assault on the reigning doctrine of postmodernism that is prevalent in higher education.

The pope underscored the centuries old link between the Church and science. “It is not surprising that people of deep faith feel called to explore the origins and workings of the universe. The desire to better understand creation is but a reflection of that restless yearning for God that dwells in the heart of every human being.”

The Holy Father punctuated his remarks by saying that the “original purpose” of the observatories was “to be places where the glory of God’s creation is encountered with reverence, depth, and joy.”

Jewish scholar David Klinghoffer observes that “The origins of modern science, from 1300 onward, were overwhelmingly religious,” and the Catholic contribution to astronomy was central. He cites Copernicus, a Catholic priest, for pioneering astronomy. Just as Leo inferred, Catholic scientists sought to understand God through His creation.

Unfortunately, many Americans still believe the wholly discredited Black Legends that pit religion against science. But it is not the Church that denies the existence of truth—without which science could not proceed—rather it is the Church’s critics.

There may be many opinions, but there is only one truth.