On Pope Francis and galaxies

Back in 2014, I was privileged to participate in the Vatican Observatory Summer School (VOSS). Over those four weeks, I formed new friends, made new discoveries, and ate awesome food. But the most unforgettable moment of that trip was meeting Pope Francis.

Shaking hands with Pope Francis. Maybe I should have paid $20 for the unwatermarked version.

We also got to hear a special message from Pope Francis. Fun fact, did you know that he had a technical certificate in chemistry? Anyway, here are some select quotes (all emphasis mine):

For nearly a month now, you have been engaged not only in the study of galaxies, under the direction of professors who are experts in this field, but also in sharing your own cultural and religious traditions. In this way, you have offered an impressive example of dialogue and fruitful cooperation. During these weeks of study you have also made lasting friendships and laid the groundwork for future forms of collaboration. Seeing all of you here today is like looking at a marvelous mosaic made up of people from throughout the world. It is only right that men and women everywhere should have access to research and scientific training. The hope that one day all peoples will be able to enjoy the benefits of science is one which spurs all of us on, scientists in particular.

The Vatican Observatory School in Astrophysics is thus a place where young people the world over can engage in dialogue and collaboration, helping one another in the search for truth, which in this case is concretized in the study of galaxies. This simple and practical initiative shows how the sciences can be a fitting and effective means for promoting peace and justice.

Pope Francis

(full transcript June 26, 2014)

I still remember how his words on scientific collaboration rang true. Our cohort of 25 students – representing 22 different countries – truly felt as though scientific research could help unify the world. After all, we all look up at the same sky, right?

Six days after Pope Francis was laid to rest, we now have the first report of the President’s Budget Request.

The proposed budget is difficult to read, both in terms of content and style. It sounds like a bunch of random tweets mashed together – lots of railing against the leftist woke agenda. Hmm.

Funding for scientific research is slashed: NSF faces a 56% cut (-$4.9B), and NASA Science is reduced by 47% (-$3.4B). Oh, but defense gets an increase of +$113B and homeland security increases by +$42B.¹

It’s hard to rewind the clock and pretend that we live in the same world that existed ten years ago. I also don’t know what the future brings, but I think that history will not look kindly on the current era of USA politics. Meanwhile, Pope Francis’s hope – that one day all peoples will be able to enjoy the benefits of science – is one that I believe will live on.

Please note that these opinions are mine alone, and do not reflect those of my employer.