The Independent reports that Pope Francis, speaking at the Pontifical Academy of Sciences, has declared that the theories of evolution and the Big Bang are real.
“When we read about Creation in Genesis, we run the risk of imagining God was a magician, with a magic wand able to do everything. But that is not so,” said Francis.
“He created human beings and let them develop according to the internal laws that he gave to each one so they would reach their fulfillment."
Francis explained that both scientific theories were not incompatible with the existence of a creator – arguing instead that they “require it”.
“The Big Bang, which today we hold to be the origin of the world, does not contradict the intervention of the divine creator but, rather, requires it. Evolution in nature is not inconsistent with the notion of creation, because evolution requires the creation of beings that evolve.”
Experts say the Pope's comments put an end to the “pseudo theories” of creationism and intelligent design that some argue were encouraged by his predecessor, Benedict XVI who spoke out against taking Darwin too far.
(Score: 2) by cykros on Wednesday October 29 2014, @01:42PM
That this took so long for official sanction is pretty amusing, and even moreso perhaps is how shocking it all seems, at least where the Big Bang Theory is concerned, as it was originally proposed by a Belgian Catholic priest [wikipedia.org] in the first place.
Evolution being dubbed an acceptable theory is a nice change of pace though. At this rate, before the next pope, the Catholic Church will be putting out condoms with bible verses...kind of like really slippery rubber fortune cookies.
(Score: 2) by hoochiecoochieman on Thursday October 30 2014, @04:02PM
The Catholic Church has accepted the Theory of Evolution many years ago.
The Creationism blight is a problem mainly among fundamentalists in US, Eastern Europe and the Middle East. All bible-thumping, rolling eyes, mouth-frothing idiots, of course.