"Man cannot place in science and technology such a deep and unconditional trust as to believe that scientific and technological progress can explain everything and fully fulfil his existential and spiritual needs". This was said by the Pope, as he received in audience today the members of the Papal Academy of Science, on the occasion of its plenary meeting on the subject "Predictability in science: accuracy and limitations". Modern science, due to its ability to "predict natural phenomena", added Benedict XVI, "has contributed to the protection of the environment, the progress of developed countries, the fight against epidemics, the rise in life expectancy", showing that "there is no conflict between the divine providence and the human enterprise". Nevertheless, stated the Pope, "science cannot replace philosophy and the Revelation in giving an exhaustive answer to the deepest questions about man: the questions of the meaning of life and death, the ultimate values, the nature of progress itself". Scientific predictability, according to Benedict XVI, also raises "the question of the ethical responsibilities of the scientist".
