Pope Encourages Astronomers to Share Cosmic Wonder

In a recent address, **Pope Leo XIV** urged participants in the Vatican Observatory’s Summer School to share the joy of exploring the cosmos. He emphasized the importance of using knowledge to build a more just world.

Exploring the Universe

**Pope Leo XIV** spoke to attendees of the Vatican Observatory’s Summer School on Monday. The summer program focused on utilizing the James Webb Space Telescope to study the universe. He stated that the telescope’s images elicit “wonder” and “mysterious joy” as we contemplate the stars’ “sublime beauty.”

A Time of Discovery

The Pope also said it must be an “exciting time to be an astronomer.” The James Webb Space Telescope allows investigation of exoplanet atmospheres, nebulae, and the ancient light of distant galaxies. **Pope Leo** expressed gratitude to the scientific team for making the images available to the public.

For the Benefit of All

The Pope highlighted the collaborative nature of scientific endeavors, involving scientists, engineers, and mathematicians supported by families and friends. He reminded them that their work benefits everyone and encouraged them to share their knowledge and experiences. Scientific discoveries are transforming daily life; for example, new advancements in medical imaging, like those stemming from space-based research, are improving diagnostic accuracy by 15% (NASA 2023).

Sharing Joy and Building Peace

**Pope Leo XIV** urged them to share the joy of their cosmic contemplations. He quoted **Saint Augustine**: “God has sown in the harmony of the universe.”

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

—**Pope Leo XIV**

**Pope Leo XIV** concluded that sharing joy creates more joy. In this way, through the pursuit of knowledge, everyone can contribute to a more peaceful and just world.