Pope Leo XIV Meets Students of the Astrophysics Summer School at the Vatican Observatory in Castel Gandolfo

For the Building of a More Peaceful and Just World

"The more joy you share, the more joy you create, and in this way, through your pursuit of knowledge, each of you can contribute to building a more peaceful and just world."

With these words, Pope Leo XIV addressed the participants of the Astrophysics Summer School promoted by the Vatican Observatory, during an audience held on the morning of Monday, June 16, in the Consistory Hall.

In his speech, the Pope encouraged the Jesuit community of the Vatican Observatory and the students attending their Summer School to remember that what they do is meant to benefit everyone. Hence, his recommendation to be generous in sharing what they learn and experience—doing so to the best of their abilities and in any way they can. He urged them not to hesitate to share the joy and wonder that come from contemplating the "seeds" that, in the words of Saint Augustine, God has scattered throughout the harmony of the universe.

Among those present at the audience were Sister Raffaella Petrini, Archbishop Emilio Nappa, and Giuseppe Puglisi-Alibrandi, respectively President and Secretaries General of the Governorate of Vatican City State. The Jesuit community was represented by Br. Guy Consolmagno, S.J., Director of the Vatican Observatory and Fr. Gabriele Gionti, S.J., Deputy Director.

Br. Guy Consolmagno is also among the faculty of the Summer School,along with Fr. David Brown, Dean of the School, Almudena Alonso-Herrero, Tom Greene, Roberto Maiolino, and Maria Drozdovskaya, as well as various science specialists who lead advanced seminars and workshops.

The new edition of the Vatican Observatory Summer School (VOSS) officially began on June 1, welcoming twenty-four young astronomers from twenty-two different countries. The event lasts until June 27 and is located, as usual, in the beautiful setting of the Vatican Observatory at Castel Gandolfo. The Summer School, active since 1986 and now in its nineteenth edition, has become a prestigious biennial event in the field of global astronomy education.

This year's theme is "Exploring the Universe with the James Webb Space Telescope: The First Three Years," a tribute to the major discoveries made possible by this innovative telescope which has been operational since 2022. The selected students, chosen based on merit and geographic diversity, participate in an intensive, nearly month-long program combining theoretical lectures with practical exercises in JWST data analysis, closely related to their research projects.

In addition to the scientific activities, the program also includes cultural events. Students have the opportunity to visit historic cities such as Subiaco, Florence, Orvieto, and Ostia Antica, immersing themselves in Italy’s artistic and cultural heritage.

Thanks to the support of the Vatican Observatory Foundation and numerous benefactors, participation in the School is completely free of charge, allowing young people from economically disadvantaged backgrounds to take part in this formative experience. The initiative thus reaffirms the Vatican Observatory’s commitment to science that is increasingly open, equitable, and global.

The Vatican Observatory, or Astronomical Observatory, is a scientific research institution directly under the authority of the Holy See; it is part of the Governorate of Vatican City State.