Kathrine Frich
A new theological debate is unfolding in the Vatican after the pope’s chief astronomer said he would be ready to welcome extraterrestrial beings into the faith.
The remarks have reignited discussion about how religion might adapt if life beyond Earth is ever confirmed.
Faith among the stars
Father Richard D’Souza, newly appointed head of the Vatican Observatory in Castel Gandolfo near Rome, told the Daily Star that he believes any intelligent life elsewhere in the universe would still belong to God’s creation.
“They are all part of God’s creation. They would be children of God. I believe in a benevolent Creator. He is behind everything,” he said.
The astronomer-priest explained that theology would have to evolve. “Theology would have to redefine itself and take into account these other beings,” he said.
Ready for baptism
When asked whether he would baptize an alien, Father D’Souza replied without hesitation: “Yes, yes.”
He added that all beings capable of faith would be eligible for the sacrament.
“We believe baptism must be performed,” he said.
“The question is how to reach them, or how they will reach us. These are practical problems to solve before we even start talking about baptism.”
Although no contact with extraterrestrials has occurred, the Vatican scientist remains optimistic. He believes researchers may prove the existence of alien life “within the next 30 years.”
A cosmic vision
Father D’Souza now works under Pope Leo XIV, formerly Cardinal Robert Prevost, who has revived papal summers at Castel Gandolfo, the traditional retreat that also houses the Vatican Observatory.
The observatory, founded centuries ago, has long served as the Catholic Church’s bridge between science and faith.
Under Leo XIV, that dialogue may extend beyond Earth itself, as Vatican scholars explore how spirituality might embrace life from other worlds.
Sources: Daily Star, Vatican Observatory, Digi24
This article is made and published by Kathrine Frich, who may have used AI in the preparation
