VATICAN – Pope Francis’ voice will be heard by astronauts at the International Space Station in a live streamed video call on October 26, 2017.
Pope Francis will speak to the crew on the International Space Station, which includes a 60 year old Italian astronaut, Paolo Nespoli. Also present will be three American astronauts, and two Russian cosmonauts.
Pope Francis has spoken extensively about care for the earth and stewardship of God’s creation.
In his encyclical on the environment, Laudato Si, he wrote, “I urgently appeal, then, for a new dialogue about how we are shaping the future of our planet. We need a conversation which includes everyone, since the environmental challenge we are undergoing, and its human roots, concern and affect us all.” His message of stewardship is expected to be repeated in his message to the space station.
You can watch the conversation between the pontiff and the astronauts live on the Vatican YouTube channel.
Pope Francis is not the first pope to have his voice heard all the way out in space. Father Benedict, during his time as pope, called the International Space Station back in 2011. “We admire your courage, as well as your discipline and commitment with which you prepared yourself for this mission,” Father Benedict said. He also asked the astronauts if they wondered how science can contribute to the cause of peace. “We all live on one earth, and how absurd it is that we fight and kill each other.”
Father Benedict’s conversation with the astronauts can still be viewed. Watch it here!
