The Poupard “Solution” of the Galileo Case

Those who have followed the 'Galileo Case' would recall that in July 1981 Pope John Paul II set up a Commission to investigate the case anew and to recognize wrongs from whichever side they came. He had hoped to resolve the long-standing controversies that have surrounded Galileo from the time of his condemnation in 1632. The concluding phase of the Commission's work was placed by John Paul II under the direction of Cardinal Paul Poupard. The Cardinal presented his report of the Commission's work and its conclusions; or, as the title of Frits Alber's book indicates, his "Solution" of the Galileo Case to John Paul II in 1992. It is effectively Cardinal Poupard's report that became John Paul's address of October 31, 1992, to the Papal Academy of Science "Faith Can Never Conflict With Reason".

One recalls news items, in both secular and Catholic media, with headlines such as "Church Admits it Was Wrong", "Galileo Exonerated" immediately following the Papal Address.

This book, which the author wrote shortly after the Papal Address, was printed in the Osservatore Romano, of November 4, 1992, is most perceptive. It analyses the papal text in detail and sharply separates wheat from chaff. It is well worth reading for those with a particular interest in the 'Galileo Case' and with a general interest in the relationship between Faith and science. Its conclusions will shock some, console others and should enlighten all.