Pope Francis reflects on relation between science and truth

September 01, 2016

Pope Francis visited a convention center in Rome on August 31 to address the European Society of Cardiology and said that “the Magisterium of the Church has always affirmed the importance of scientific research for human life and health.”

Noting the complementarity of faith and reason, the Pope stated that “openness to the grace of God, an openness which comes through faith, does not weaken human reason, but rather leads it to move forwards, to knowledge of a truth which is wider and of greater benefit to humanity.”

Pope Francis also called upon scientists to recognize science’s limits, to respect the “laws engraved within human nature,” to recognize the dignity of the poor and needy, and to confront their biases so as to come to a deeper knowledge of the truth.

“We know that the scientist, in his or her research, is never neutral, in as much as each one has their own history, their way of being and of thinking,” he said. “Every scientist requires, in a sense, a purification; through this process, the toxins which poison the mind’s pursuit of truth and certainty are removed, and this enables a more incisive understanding of the meaning of things.”

“We cannot deny that our knowledge, even our most precise and scientific knowledge, needs to progress by asking questions and finding answers concerning the origin, meaning and finality of reality; and this includes man,” he continued. “It is important that men and women of science, as they examine themselves in the light of that great mystery of human existence, do not give in to the temptation to suppress the truth (cf. Rom 1:18).”

 

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Further information:

• Pope Francis address to the European Society of Cardiology 2016.08.31 (YouTube Vatican)
• Incontro del Santo Padre con i partecipanti al Congresso mondiale organizzato dalla Società Europea di Cardiologia presso la nuova Fiera di Roma, 31.08.2016 (Holy See Press Office)