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Mon 22 Dec, 2008 06:49 am
Pope marks Galileo anniversary, praises astronomy
VATICAN CITY - Pope Benedict XVI is marking the 400th anniversary of Galileo's use of a telescope.
Benedict said Sunday he wanted to salute all who are marking the 2009 anniversary and UNESCO's World Year of Astronomy.
Speaking on the winter solstice, Benedict said understanding the laws of nature can stimulate understanding and appreciation of the Lord's works.
The Catholic Church condemned Galileo in the 17th century for supporting Nicholas Copernicus' discovery that the Earth revolved around the sun; church teaching at the time placed Earth at the center of the universe.
In 1992, Pope John Paul II apologized, saying that the denuncuation was a tragic error.
@Joe,
He also likened saving gays to saving the rainforest. I'm fairly sure the Catholics
chose one a bit too senile for their own good on this one.
@Joe,
So Joe what are you saying - that t only took 400 years for the catholic church to admit they were wrong? That's one of a hell of a long time to make a public policy shift.
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