POPE MAY JOIN CHRISTIAN RIGHT IN ATTACK ON EVOLUTION
JOHN HOOPER, GUARDIAN - Philosophers, scientists and other
intellectuals close to Pope Benedict will gather at his summer palace
outside Rome this week for intensive discussions that could herald a
fundamental shift in the Vatican's view of evolution. There have been
growing signs the Pope is considering aligning his church more closely
with the theory of "intelligent design" taught in some US states.
Advocates of the theory argue that some features of the universe and
nature are so complex that they must have been designed by a higher
intelligence. Critics say it is a disguise for creationism. . .
In 1996, in what was seen as a capitulation to scientific orthodoxy,
John Paul II said Darwin's theories were "more than a hypothesis.". .
. The Pope raised the issue in the inaugural sermon of his
pontificate, saying: "We are not the accidental product, without
meaning, of evolution."
A few months later, Cardinal Schönborn, who is regarded as being close
to Benedict, wrote an article for the New York Times backing moves to
teach ID. He was attacked by Father George Coyne, director of the
Vatican Observatory. On August 19, Fr Coyne was replaced without
explanation.
Vatican sources said the Pope's former astronomer, who has cancer, had
asked to be replaced.