Pope Leo XIV Encourages Young Astronomers to Pursue Knowledge for the Benefit of Humanity

Vatican City, June 17, 2025: Pope Leo XIV met with students and faculty participating in this year’s Vatican Observatory Summer School programme during an audience held on Monday morning at the Apostolic Palace of the Vatican. The meeting was held in the Consistory Hall of the Palace, where the Holy Father addressed the participants of this year's edition of the programme, themed “Exploring the Universe with the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST)”.

In his address, the Holy Father encouraged the young scientists from around the world to share the joy they experience in exploring the cosmos and to contribute to a more peaceful and just world through the pursuit of knowledge.

Reflecting on the enduring fascination of humans with the origins of the universe, Pope Leo noted that while the authors of Sacred Scripture once contemplated creation through poetic and religious imagination, modern scientists now explore the cosmos with advanced tools such as the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST). He praised the breathtaking images obtained through the telescope, stating that they “fill us with wonder and indeed a mysterious joy as we contemplate the sublime beauty of the stars."

The pontiff emphasised the importance of scientific exploration as both a source of wonder and a tool for the common good.

“Surely, this must be an exciting time to be an astronomer,” Pope Leo remarked, citing the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) as a 'truly remarkable' instrument that allows humans to investigate the atmosphere of exoplanets, the nebulae where planetary systems form, and even the ancient light of distant galaxies.

He expressed gratitude to the scientific team attached to the Space Telescope for making so many images accessible to the public. He also highlighted the valuable knowledge and training that participants of the Summer School programme will receive to help them make the most of “this amazing instrument”.

Pope Leo emphasised that the students and scientists are part of a larger community, including other scientists, engineers, and mathematicians, supported by family and friends, that allows them to be a part of “this wonderful enterprise”. He also reminded them that their work is meant to benefit all of humanity and encouraged them to generously share what they learn and experience during their exploration of the cosmos.

“Do not hesitate to share the joy and amazement born of your contemplation of the ‘seeds’ that, in the words of Saint Augustine, God has sown in the harmony of the universe,” he said.

Concluding his remarks, Pope Leo said, “The more joy you share, the more joy you create, and in this way, through your pursuit of knowledge, each of you can contribute to building a more peaceful and just world.”

By Christopher Wells

Courtesy: Vatican News