Sophie Peters

Over the past three days, the Vatican has hosted a plenary session of the Pontifical Academy of Sciences on the theme “Fundamental Sciences for Human Development, Peace and Global Health”.

Addressing participants on Saturday, Pope Francis asked how best to use the knowledge of ‘basic science’ to solve some of the world’s most pressing challenges, such as climate change and ongoing wars. I considered about

Basic science relevant to the current crisis

Pope Francis began his address by reviewing the history of the Papal Academy of Sciences, which began in 1603.

The academy is a unique place among religious institutions, the Pope said, and that the Church “embraces and encourages a passion for scientific research” as a way of expressing “a love of truth and knowledge of the world”. I’m here.

Our ability to wonder creatively and ask ‘why’, along with the ‘complementary task of caring for creation’, ’emerges from a deep Christian perspective in contemplation’, continued Pope Francis. rice field.

Pope Francis said the theme of the session will be to link “basic science” to solutions to current challenges. He called for an “interconnected approach” that reflected the growing need for interdisciplinary research that would help “provide answers to humanity’s ultimate problems.”

The need for fraternity, justice and peace

Pope Francis went on to say that “to help meet the great challenges facing us, mankind and our environment,” the ambition for scientific achievement was “directed towards the need for fraternity, justice and peace.” It must be done,” he continued.

The Pope will always use scientific and technological discoveries to benefit people, especially those most disadvantaged, in dealing with various global emergencies and in dealing with political and technological challenges. I congratulated the Academy on its long history of continuing efforts to be involved in science.

Positive results can only be obtained when scientists seek truth and “apply their discoveries in a way that develops parallel to the search for what is right, noble, good and beautiful.” is, he added.

Aiming to build peace in the midst of “World War III”

The Pope said that as the world increasingly turns away from respect for human rights, international law and mutual cooperation, emphasis should be placed on promoting knowledge with the goal of building peace.

Lamenting that this “World War III” is putting people in greater danger than ever before, they are doing more to avoid war and “overcome suffering, poverty and new forms of slavery”. must be done.

Pope Francis said scientists must unite to “disarm science and become a force for peace”.

We are called today to bear witness to our fraternal mission to freedom, justice, dialogue, mutual encounter, love and peace, and to avoid fostering hatred, resentment, division, violence and war.

The Pope concluded by calling for a greater “ecological conversion” to “save our common homes and lives” rather than “increase inequality, exploitation and destruction”.