Pope Benedict: "...proof in favor of evolution"
Pope Benedict XVI has made his strongest statement yet endorsing the validity of evolutionary science and the compatibility of that science with the Roman Catholic faith. This MSNBC article quotes the Pope as follows: “They are presented as alternatives that exclude each other,” the pope said. “This clash is an absurdity because on one hand there is much scientific proof in favor of evolution, which appears as a reality that we must see and which enriches our understanding of life and being as such.”
This statement is noteworthy because earlier, less specific statements by Pope Benedict hinted of possible support for the "intelligent design" perspective and leaning against evolution. This concern was heightened because of the Pope's close relationship with Cardinal Schoenborn, who openly supported intelligent design, as evidenced in the Cardinal's Op Ed piece that appeared in the New York Times in July of 2005.
The statement by Pope Benedict seems to move the Vatican back to the "dual magisteria" position traditionally held by modern popes. According to this concept, the natural world is best described by modern science, and is not in conflict with the realm of religion and theology, which deals with issues of ultimate causation and meaning and the human soul.
The Pope also indicated that we must obey "the voice of the Earth", referring to his concern over climate change.