Pope Bendict XVI chats with Endeavour, International Space Station astronauts. Photo Credit/NASA TV
Pope Benedict XVI spoke with the U.S., Russian and European astronauts aboard the International Space Station on Saturday, reflecting together with them about life on Earth, the environment and the mysteries of space.
“Welcome aboard, Your Holiness,” said Shuttle Endeavour commander Mark Kelly, adding his greetings to those of space station commander Dmitry Kondratyev. Endeavour’s docking on Wednesday delivered a new cosmic observatory and temporarily brought the number of humans on the orbiting science laboratory to 12 people.
“Humanity is experiencing a period of extremely rapid progress in the face of scientific knowledge. In a sense, you are our representatives, leading humanity’s exploration of space and new possibility for our future, beyond the limitations of our everyday existence,” Pope Benedict noted in his opening remarks from the Vatican in Rome. “We admire your courage as well as your discipline and commitment.”
Kelly, Kondratyev clustered together in the station with Greg H. Johnson, Mike Fincke, Drew Feustel, Greg Chamitoff and Roberto Vittori of Endeavour and Catherine Coleman, Ron Garan, Paolo Nespoli, Andrey Borisenko and Alexander Samokutyaev of the station to speak with leader of the Catholic Church.
Station commander Dmitry Kondratyev, with microphone, greets Pope Benedict XVI. In blue, the station crew, pictured left to right, includes Catherine Coleman, Paolo Nespoli, Andrey Borisenko, Alexander Samokutyaev and Ron Garan. In black, Endeavour's crew, pictured left to right, includes Mark Kelly, Mike Fincke, Drew Feustel, Greg Chamitoff, Greg H. Johnson and Roberto Vittori. Photo Credit/NASA TV
“You have a very different view of the Earth. You fly over different countries and nations several times a day. I think it must be obvious to you how we all live together on one Earth and how absurd it is that we fight and kill each other,” the pope observed.
“It’s a very good question,” Kelly responded. “We fly over most of the world, and we don’t see borders. But at the same time we realize that people fight with each other and there is a lot of violence in this world. It’s really an unfortunate thing.”
Many of the terrestrial conflicts are over resources, especially energy, the astronauts observed.
They pointed to the space station’s use of solar energy and suggested that similar technologies could be applied to the energy needs of the Earth’s growing populations without harming the environment.
“We all have a responsibility for the future of our planet,” the pope said. “The risks facing the environment and survival of future generations — scientists tell us, we must be careful. From an ideological point of view, we must develop our consciousness as well. How do you see the situation on the Earth?”
Garan affirmed Pope Benedict’s observation.
“On the one hand, we can see how indescribably beautiful the planet we have been given is. But on the other hand, we can clearly see how fragile it is,” said Garan. “The atmosphere, for instance, when viewed from space is paper thin. And to think, this paper thin layer is what separates every living thing from the vacuum of space is a really sobering thought.”
The astronauts suggested to the pope that the serenity of the space station is made possible in part by the willingness of different nations and people with technical expertise to work together for the benefit of all.
“We can look down and see the planet Earth, and it’s the most beautiful planet in the whole solar system. However, if we look up, we can see the rest of the universe. The rest of the universe is out there for us to go explore.” said Fincke. “The International Space Station is just one example of what human beings can do when we work together constructively. So, our most important message is to let the children of the planet, the young people know there is a whole universe for us to go explore. When we do it together, there is nothing we cannot accomplish.”
During his 20-minute conversation with the astronauts, the pope made note of the recent death of Nespoli’s mother from illness and the injury to Arizona Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, Kelly’s wife. Giffords, who was wounded during a shooting spree at a Tucson political rally in January, is recovering at a Houston hospital and rehabilitation facility.
“My very best to your work and the success of your great mission, to the service of science, international collaboration and for peace in the world,” the pope closed. “I will continue to follow you in my thoughts and prayers.”