Daily 27 is a democratic journal and democracy requires pluralism. Besides, being a journal with information based on scientific evidence, we dedicate this article to the memory of Papa Francis.
He has left an indelible mark on the dialogue between science and faith, most notably through his landmark 2015 encyclical Laudato Si’, which positioned environmental stewardship as a moral imperative grounded in both theological and scientific reasoning. By embracing the scientific consensus on climate change, Francis brought the authority of the Catholic Church—representing over a billion followers—into alignment with the global scientific community, calling for urgent action to protect our “common home.”
His legacy is characterized by a profound respect for empirical knowledge and an insistence that ethical responsibility must accompany scientific progress. Rather than viewing science and religion as adversaries, Pope Francis consistently emphasized their complementarity. He endorsed the work of climate scientists, engaged with ecological economists, and convened interdisciplinary summits at the Vatican that included Nobel laureates and leading researchers. His support for the UN Sustainable Development Goals further underscored his commitment to global scientific cooperation and social equity.
Pope Francis also revived and elevated the role of the Pontifical Academy of Sciences, reinforcing the Church’s openness to scientific inquiry across fields, from genetics to astrophysics. He encouraged the ethical development of technologies, particularly artificial intelligence, framing their use within a broader humanistic and ecological vision.
In a time marked by skepticism toward science in many quarters, Francis offered a compelling model of leadership that bridges scientific rigor with ethical reflection. His legacy will endure as one that advanced not only ecological awareness but also a renewed dialogue between science and spirituality, underscoring that the pursuit of truth—whether through reason or faith—demands humility, cooperation, and care for the future of humanity and the planet.
Serra Húnter Fellow of Sociology at Universitat Rovira i Virgili.
Former DAAD-Gastprofessorin at Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg