Scientific theories such as the Big Bang theory and evolution do not contradict creationism, Pope Francis said during an address to the Pontifical Academy of Sciences on Monday.
"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,"
Francis said, according to Religion News Service. "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."
The pope said that beliefs in evolution and creation can actually co-exist.
"Evolution in nature is not inconsistent with the notion of creation, because evolution requires the creation of beings that evolve," Francis said.
Giovanni Bignami, a professor and president of Italy’s National Institute for Astrophysics, called the statements significant, according to RNS.
"We are the direct descendants from the Big Bang that created the universe. Evolution came from creation," Bignami said, according to RNS.
But these ideas aren’t new to the
Catholic Church, The Washington Post reported. Since the reforms of Pope Pius XII in 1950, the Catholic Church has said there is no conflict between Christianity and evolution.
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