Openness to grace strengthens human reason, Pope reminds cardiologists

Rome, Italy, Aug 31, 2016 / 10:17 am

The Church supports the work of studying God's creation in the human body and encourages the sciences in service to the weak and infirm of society, Pope Francis told cardiologists Wednesday.

"Nature, in all its complexity, and the human mind, are created by God; their richness must be studied by skilled men and women, in the knowledge that the advancement of the philosophical and empirical sciences, as well as professional care in favour of the weakest and most infirm, is a service that is part of God's plan," the Pope said Aug. 31.

"Openness to the grace of God, an openness which comes through faith, does not weaken human reason, but rather leads it towards knowledge of a truth which is wider and of greater benefit to humanity," he added in his speech given to 35,000 specialists from 140 countries during the world congress of the European Society of Cardiology being held in Rome this week.

Pope Francis thanked those present for their dedication, not only to scientific study and discussion, but also to all those who are sick.

He recalled that "the scientist, in his or her research, is never neutral, in as much as each one has their own history, their way of being and of thinking," and that they therefore require "in a sense, a purification" by which "the toxins which poison the mind's pursuit of truth and certainty are removed," enabling "a more incisive understanding of the meaning of things."

"We cannot deny that our knowledge, even our most precise and scientific knowledge, needs to progress by asking questions and finding answers concerning the origin, meaning and finality of reality; and this includes man," he said.

"The sciences alone, however, whether natural or physical, are not sufficient to understand the mystery contained within each person. When man is viewed in his totality – allow me to emphasize this point, we are able to have a profound understanding of the poorest, those most in need, and the marginalized."

It is by being seen in his totality that patients can "benefit from your care and the support and assistance offered by the public and private health sectors. We must make great efforts to ensure that they are not 'discarded' by a culture which promotes a 'throwaway' mentality," he exhorted.

Pope Francis noted how physicians may feel "trepidation and awe" when faced with the vast road of scientific study and discovery still to be made, and that the Magisterium of the Church affirms the importance of scientific research in the protection of human life. "The Church understands that efforts directed to the authentic good of the person are actions always inspired by God," he said.

Cardiologists, by their work, are able to heal physical illness and are able to perceive that there are laws "engraved within human nature" that cannot be changed or manipulated, but must be respected, in order to cooperate with the designs of the creator.  

"For this reason, it is important that men and women of science, as they examine themselves in the light of that great mystery of human existence, do not give in to the temptation to suppress the truth," Pope Francis said.

"You look after the heart. How much symbolism is enshrined in this word!" he said. "How many hopes are contained in this human organ! In your hands you hold the beating core of the human body, and as such your responsibility is very great!"