ARCC spot LIGHT (analysis of Church issues by the ARCC Publications Committee, R. Schutzius, ed.)
No Statue for Galileo
Mar 15, 2009
Cardinal Ratzinger once described Galileo's trial as "fair and reasonable" and most likely the hierarchy considered it so at the time. The rub comes, and continues to rub the Vatican the wrong way, because they were seriously wrong and demonstrated their reliance on literal scripture over science by condemning and excommunicating him.
In celebrating the 400th anniversary of Galileo's accomplishments, now Pope Benedict praised Galileo as a man of science and deep faith. As a sign of rehabilitation of Galileo a statue of him was to be erected in the Vatican gardens (thanks to a generous sponsor).
Poor Galileo, it is not to be so. It was announce by the Vatican in January that the project would be scrapped and the sponsor was urged to give his money to other science projects. A statue of Galileo in a garden he frequently visits would remind Pope Benedict of a tragic error. Not a very pleasant thought to one at the center of the religion-science struggle for truth. It would also remind him of his cancelled visit to Rome University last year after staff and students accused him of defending the Inquisition's condemnation of Galileo.
Few want constant reminders of past mistakes, but the powerful should, lest they fail to question their decisions and attitudes. Too bad Pope Benedict will not have a big statue of Galileo to remind him of his, but the way things are going, he doesn't need any more reminders. Vatican officials will participate in a conference in Florence on the whole Galileo affair in May, gathering for the first time all the key Church institutions since Galileo's condemnation. Maybe a "Blessed Galileo"? Don't bet on it!
What do you have in your life's garden to keep you humble? Married people don't need to ask.
Mar 15, 2009
Cardinal Ratzinger once described Galileo's trial as "fair and reasonable" and most likely the hierarchy considered it so at the time. The rub comes, and continues to rub the Vatican the wrong way, because they were seriously wrong and demonstrated their reliance on literal scripture over science by condemning and excommunicating him.
In celebrating the 400th anniversary of Galileo's accomplishments, now Pope Benedict praised Galileo as a man of science and deep faith. As a sign of rehabilitation of Galileo a statue of him was to be erected in the Vatican gardens (thanks to a generous sponsor).
Poor Galileo, it is not to be so. It was announce by the Vatican in January that the project would be scrapped and the sponsor was urged to give his money to other science projects. A statue of Galileo in a garden he frequently visits would remind Pope Benedict of a tragic error. Not a very pleasant thought to one at the center of the religion-science struggle for truth. It would also remind him of his cancelled visit to Rome University last year after staff and students accused him of defending the Inquisition's condemnation of Galileo.
Few want constant reminders of past mistakes, but the powerful should, lest they fail to question their decisions and attitudes. Too bad Pope Benedict will not have a big statue of Galileo to remind him of his, but the way things are going, he doesn't need any more reminders. Vatican officials will participate in a conference in Florence on the whole Galileo affair in May, gathering for the first time all the key Church institutions since Galileo's condemnation. Maybe a "Blessed Galileo"? Don't bet on it!
What do you have in your life's garden to keep you humble? Married people don't need to ask.
3/22, 4th Sunday of Lent, - Ester 8:1-8, Exodus 35: 20-29
3/29, 5th Sunday of Lent - Jeremiah 31:15-14
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