| − | In a speech during July 2007 Pope Benedict XVI claimed, "There is much scientific proof in favour of evolution, which appears as a reality that we must see and which enriches our understanding of life and being as such," althrough "it does not answer the great philosophical question 'where does everything come from?'" The speech also stressed the importance of environmental conservation<ref>http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21985,22136550-5002700,00.html</ref> | + | In a speech during July 2007 Pope Benedict XVI claimed, "There is much scientific proof in favour of evolution, which appears as a reality that we must see and which enriches our understanding of life and being as such," althrough "it does not answer the great philosophical question 'where does everything come from?'" The speech also stressed the importance of [[environmentalism]].<ref>http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21985,22136550-5002700,00.html</ref> |
| | This remains, as of August 2008, the most recent clear statement of his position on the subject. | | This remains, as of August 2008, the most recent clear statement of his position on the subject. |
| − | The position of cardinals in the Church on [[intelligent design]] are nearly as diverse as the cardinals themselves. The Cardinal archbishop of Vienna has spoken out in support of intelligent design. The director of the [[Vatican]] observatory, Father George V. Coyne, has been critical of it. | + | The position of cardinals in the Church on [[intelligent design]] are nearly as diverse as the cardinals themselves. The Cardinal archbishop of Vienna has spoken out in support of intelligent design. The director of the [[Vatican observatory]], Father George V. Coyne, has been critical of it. |
| | The Vatican itself has never taken an official position on the issue.<ref>http://www.catholic.org/national/national_story.php?id=18503</ref> | | The Vatican itself has never taken an official position on the issue.<ref>http://www.catholic.org/national/national_story.php?id=18503</ref> |