Vatican initiative invites scientists to work for peace

The Academy appealed to “scientists and academics around the world to take a stand for peace and to engage in the search for ways of reconciliation and conflict resolution, starting from the daily practice of their research”, explained a statement released on March 11.

The call to action, while promoted by the Academy, was also sponsored by the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development. It is open to scientists, researchers, and academics from all disciplines, regardless of nationality, cultural tradition, political orientation, or religious affiliation.

The appeal offers researchers, scientists, and academics specific points to focus on. These range from promoting research projects involving people of different cultures to monitoring the risk of scientific research being used for improper or unintended purposes, such as in the military sector, to recognising research as a meaningful tool for building peace.

The Academy highlighted that this call to action fits within one of its objectives, which is to promote interdisciplinary studies on “issues concerning the promotion and defence of human life”.

“Guided by the pursuit of truth, scientific research is based on rigorous methodologies and grows through the sharing of knowledge and a willingness to continually question itself,” said the statement.

The Academy acknowledged competition and debate within the scientific community, but stressed the importance of “transparent communication”, adding that researchers should “overcome personal interests, with the aim of contributing to the common heritage of knowledge, even beyond national borders”.

As of March 12, 80 scientists had put their names to the Academy initiative. Among them are several researchers with a significant international presence in academic and media debate, EWTN News reported.

FULL STORY

Pontifical Academy for Life launches “Scientists for peace” appeal (By Isabella de Carvalho/Vatican News)

More than 80 scientists sign Vatican peace manifesto (EWTN News)