After the Angelus, Pope Leo XIV went to visit the “Specola,” which is the Vatican’s astronomical observatory located in Castel Gandolfo.
It wasn’t just on any day that he visited. It was on the anniversary of the moon landing, so the staff gave him a full tour of the facilities.
Finally, the moon!
They even tried to spot the moon, although it was a bit tricky given the visit was during the daytime.
It took some effort, but they finally managed to spot it.
Today, the Vatican also operates an observatory in Arizona, where there is less light pollution to study the skies.
These facilities were originally promoted by Pope Leo XIII, who wanted to show the world that faith and science are not incompatible.
To end the special day, Pope Leo had a video call with astronaut Buzz Aldrin, the second man to walk on the moon after Neil Armstrong, and the last surviving astronaut from the historic Apollo 11 mission.
On social media, Aldrin wrote that it was a blessing and a great honor to speak personally with the Pope.
JRB
Trans. CRT
