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: 0) by Anonymous Coward on Friday October 31 2014, @12:13AM
There are many instances in the Bible where God supposedly interferes with the natural order. If you disregard all of those what you have left is nothing like the god Christians worship. For instance, if God impregnated Mary so she would give birth to his son, that is interfering with the natural order, and again bringing Jesus back to life after he was crucified is interfering with the natural order.
What Francis is doing is misinterpreting the science (whether deliberately or not) and creatively interpreting the Bible so they don't seem to conflict.