Pope Leo to Vatican Observatory: Church Embraces Science To Find God in Creation

Pope Leo XIV looks through the main telescope of the Vatican Observatory in Castel Gandolfo, Italy, alongside U.S. Jesuit Father David A. Brown, an astronomer, July 20, 2025. (CNS photo/Vatican Media)

​This email was recently sent to DarkSky Southern Arizona members from a Tucson, Arizona astronomer with the Vatican Observatory:

“Greetings from Rome.

We just had an audience with Leo XIV, and I thought of you when he said:

The capacity to gaze with wonder at the sun, the moon, and stars is a gift given to every human being, regardless of station or circumstance… The night sky is a treasury of beauty open to all – rich and poor alike – and in a world so painfully divided, it remains one of the last truly universal sources of joy. Tragically, even this gift is now under threat. To paraphrase Pope Benedict, we have filled our skies with man-made light that blinds us to the lights God has placed there…

Fr. Paul Gabor, S.J., Ph.D.
Vice-Director, Vatican Observatory
2017 E Lee St
Tucson, AZ 85719”

​While no longer a practicing Catholic, I find the words of Pope Leo embracing science and affirming the sacredness of nature to be inspiring.

The Vatican Observatory Foundation has a majority stake, along with the University of Arizona, in the Alice P. Lennon Telescope, which is located in southeastern Arizona, where sky conditions are among the best in the world.

On May 11, 2026, Pope Leo highlighted the importance of night sky conservation, describing the ability to gaze at the stars as a "gift" and a "universal source of joy" that connects humanity. He emphasized that preserving the dark sky is a matter of environmental stewardship and spiritual reflection, warning that excessive artificial light hides this beauty from humanity.

• Universal Treasure: The Pope noted that the night sky is a "treasury of beauty open to all — rich and poor alike — and in a world so painfully divided, it remains one of the last truly universal sources of joy".
• Awe and Perspective: Contemplating the heavens encourages awe and a "saving sense of proportion," helping people see their lives within the context of creation.
• Stewardship Against Light Pollution: The Vatican has previously noted that the "reckless" overuse of artificial lighting has blinded people to the stars, making the protection of the dark night sky an issue of environmental responsibility.
• Science and Faith: The Pope’s remarks connect to the work of the Vatican Observatory, which promotes the study of astronomy and supports scientific research while encouraging care for the natural world.

Long-standing Concern: This message aligns with past, long-standing papal advocacy for protecting the environment and recognizing the "cry of the earth" as part of a theological obligation.

Vatican News article
​Pope Francis in LAUDATO SI’