"The scientific ability to predict and control must never be used against human life, but always be placed at its service and at the service of the future generations". This was repeated today by the Pope, as he received in audience today the members of the Papal Academy of Science. "Dear academicians, our world keeps looking to you and your colleagues for a clear understanding of the possible consequences of many important natural phenomena", said Benedict XVI, quoting "the relentless challenges to the environment that afflict whole populations and the pressing need to discover sources of safe and alternative energy that may be available to everyone". The Pope warned against scientific determinism: "Science he said assumes it will provide a complete, deterministic representation of our future and the development of every phenomenon that it investigates". But, according to Benedict XVI, "there is a higher level that necessarily transcends any scientific prediction". "Denying such transcendence in the name of an alleged absolute ability of the scientific method to predict and affect the human world concluded the Pope would result in the loss of what is human", which "could dangerously open the doors to its violation".
