Pope Leo XIV Celebrates 56 Years Since Moon Landing with Astronaut Buzz Aldrin

ROME (AP) — Pope Leo XIV marked the 56th anniversary of humanity’s first lunar landing Sunday with a visit to the Vatican astronomical observatory in Castel Gandolfo and a call to astronaut Buzz Aldrin.

Following the Sunday Angelus prayer at his summer residence in Castel Gandolfo, Leo made his way to the astronomical observatory within the Pontifical Villas. There, he closely examined the telescopes that have long supported celestial exploration from a faith-based perspective.

The pontiff was accompanied by astronomers and students taking part in the observatory’s annual summer school program.

This visit marked Pope Leo’s first trip to the observatory, which was established in 1891 by Pope Leo XIII. However, its roots can be traced back to 1582, when Pope Gregory XIII formed a commission to study the scientific data and implications of that year’s calendar reform.

The Vatican Observatory has earned a reputation for producing top-tier research from its scientist-clerics. Its meteorite collection, which includes Martian fragments, is considered one of the world’s finest and draws academics from around the globe.

Later Sunday, the pope reached out to astronaut Buzz Aldrin, who, along with Neil Armstrong and Michael Collins, made history with the 1969 moon landing.

\”This evening, 56 years after the Apollo 11 moon landing, I had the privilege of speaking with astronaut Buzz Aldrin,\” Pope Leo shared on his X account. \”We reflected on that historic achievement—a testament to human ingenuity—and contemplated the mystery and grandeur of Creation.\” The pope then extended his blessings to Aldrin, his family, and his colleagues.

Papal communications with space are a rare occurrence.

In 2011, Pope Benedict XVI made a call to the International Space Station, inquiring about Earth’s future and the environmental challenges it faces.

Prior to Benedict, Pope Paul VI sent a radio message to astronauts Armstrong, Aldrin, and Collins following their moonwalk, hailing them as \”conquerors of the Moon.\”