Just doing his job! But he might have been smarter (if no more accurate )by saying that his god had invented evolution.

Jim Cowan, New Westminster, canada

Dear David Olsen,

Look in a mirror. Did you create yourself?

Ilga Rauchut, Bellevue, NE

Pope Benedict said,

"the theory of evolution is not a complete, scientifically proven theory.”

Is he trying to say that religion is a complete, scientifically proven theory? How can he comment on the falseness of evolution when his very own religion cannot be proven in any way, scientifically or otherwise?

One thing is for certain: examples of evolution, however theoretical, can be demonstrated in labs everyday. Now can somebody show me a picture of God? Anybody?

Didn't think so.

David Olsen, Manchester, England

There are Roman Catholic Scholars in Biological Evolution who would probably reserve judgement until reading the book. I can tell you what we think right now. "Observed specication" is a fact. Look it up. We use science to explain facts like these and the fossil-record which includes other hominoid forms that existed at a time before we did... and quite frankly a time when we where not around. DNA analysis has already verified what Darwin knew. We can see our evolutionary changes in the DNA. That history is over 10,000 generations old and guess what? Our own DNA does not disprove evolution but it validates it. I think this analogy of the laboratory is not a good one. I hope his book talks about DNA. If it doesn't I would hold reserves on how much he actually knows about evolution.

Ben Holland, Cork, Ireland

The pope is a little late, a CofE bishop over a century ago preached acceptance of modern science: "If we are wise we shall endeavour to understand and to absorb these truths. They are our proper heritage as Christians, for they are manifestations of the Eternal Word....they will add breadth and strength and depth to our theology....If the time should come when evolution is translated from the realm of suggestive theory to the region of acknowledged fact, what then? Will it not carry still further the idea of providential design and order? Will it not reinforce with new and splendid illustrations the magnificent lesson of modern science-complexity of results traced back to simplicity of principles-variety of phenomena issuing from unity of order-the gathering up, as it were, of the threads which connect the universe, in the right hand of the One Eternal Word?&

LJD, New York, US,

On the origins issue, Pope Benedict makes the usual dithering Roman Catholic distinction between matters of faith and science. Theistic evolution substitutes faith in the power of time Time for faith in the power of God’s creative fiat. Its atheist counterpart, on the other hand, embraces the irrational dogma that matter alone, over eons, developed the mystical power to organize itself into a complex, designing organism.

Benedict, intimidated by both the simplicity of the Genesis account and the big mocking club of scientism, says,“’faith alone’ could not ‘explain the whole picture’.” He confirms, thereby, Catholicism’s hatred for biblical truth, and for the text of Hebrews 11:3 which clearly contradicts him: “Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.”

Harmon Gottlieb, Victoria, CANADA

Who cares what the pope says on evolution. He always has to bend reality to fit into his belief-system. For goodness sake, evolution doesn't attempt to explain the way the universe came into being - nobody knows that, although religions are arrogant enough to claim they do. Evolution is simply a well-tested theory to explain how creatures became what they are today. As to the theory being not proven, surely it is a well-known fact that a theory cannot be verified, only falsified. (All swans are white? Can't be proved. Find a black one, theory disproved.) If the theory of evolution doesn't fit into the fairy-tale world as seen by the pope - well so much the worse for the pope. I just wish he would stop trying to brainwash people - especially children - with his funny ideas. And worst of all, he's claimed to be infallible. But he's human, and to err is human, after all.

alan, cologne,

Chris Brazendale, Tauranga, New Zealand: "Those who arrogantly dismiss God on such a basis are foolish indeed."

Condemning "unbelievers" to burn in hell for all eternity because they don't see the need for the same emotional crutch for an all-knowing, all-seeing and completely invisible diety is the height of reason, isn't it Chris?

Dan, Hampton, UK

There is no need to prove the existance of God as this is a question of faith and not testing and observation as dictated by science. For it is written "You will not test the lord thy God".
For those who have faith there is no problem but those who's faith is in science they will have to continue to change their belief as theories change.
People have used Religion in order to justify their hatred of another group of people the fact is people kill people and this has nothing to do with God as he gave us free will and as for people who are born with disabilities, the problem is not them but how so called able bodied people treat them.

Biggs, London, England

He may just about have a point concerning the theory of evolution being limiting in some ways if one stops there. For while evolution is acceptable for anyone with any sense these days, the why and how of the first creation of life is still quite a mystery and worth thinking about as Pope Ben suggests.
However on the strict evolutionary aspect, I think the theory has been proved far, far more than anything in his mystical world and until he sends me god's direct contact details so that we can discuss thematter I shall continue to think that.

John Murphy, Lauris, France

Wonder how the Pope explains the fossilized remains of humans dating back millions of years, that clearly show that man has evolved from primates?

This is a never ending argument, here in the States, between the Fundamentalists and educated people. It's sad that some people take a 2,000 year old story and carve it in stone in order to give meaning to their lives. Life is precious on its own without using fairytales for validation.

It is, however, understandable that the Pope would adhere to his conviction.........it's called, "job security!"

Joie, Cincinnati, OH, USA

What option does he have really? in an increasingly educated world, they see themselves increasingly marginalized. Religion is increasingly becoming more of a persons cultural luggage (holidays, experiences shared with the family, vague notions about life after death) and less of a formal system for addressing the complex moral / political / cultural / ethical issues that matter today.
The church, any church, sees its former disciples, especially the younger ones, turn to science, history and reason to find guidance for the issues that matter to them. And the church has failed miserably to remain relevant to what matters today: the environment, morals and sexuality, race issues, social and financial equality, pretty much anything that strikes a chord with young and middle aged today.
The world is becoming a more tolerant and better educated place, and the church still in thrall of its medieval past, is spewing out the same illiterate nonsense. They will have the fate they deserve.

babis, Athens ,

What year are we in? 2007, last time I looked - so why is a 2000 year old emotional crutch, initially "designed" to explain what science, in its' infancy, could not, still being adhered to. Religion has caused more problems and wars than anything else throughout history, and still does - usually in the name of God or one of his other nom de plumes.
And if Intelligent Design is behind everything, pray (pardon the pun) tell where was the "intelligence" behind the Aberfan disaster, and what are the "design" principles behind malformed and disabled babies? Oh, I forgot - He moves in mysterious ways. That solves everything then.

Chris Garland, New York, USA

The phrase 'dimensions of reason' is particularly insidious, as is 'realms of science'. Reasoned thinking and rational scientific understanding are capable in all areas with enough effort, revision and time. The attempt to cast science as a set of beliefs in itself is a propaganda tool used increasingly by the religious right. Science is an approach, not a doctrine, an attitude, not a belief. Yes, there are holes in the theory, but they are pinpricks in comparison to the gaping, cavernous, ridiculously flawed errors in Genesis, and other creation myths.

KJ Keir, Aberdeen, Scotland

Where is the other rottweiler? he should get the same press. This is not about god, is about reason.

Humberto Ramirez-Castañeda, Mexico DF, Mexico

At least get the terms right. Evolution is not a theory at all "proven" or otherwise. It is an observation. Natural Selection is the theory that attempts to explain that observation. Just like the theory of gravitation attempts to explain the observation of gravity.

And if you think it takes millions of years for evolution to take place, you are sadly mistaken. The next time you are prescribed antibiotic medication, ask your doctor why it is so important to take them all, regardless of how you are feeling.

Devin, U.S.,

All these comments are so negative you have to wonder at the defensive mindsets that produced them. The Pope has been very reasonable about this debate I think. As a practicing Catholic I can only say that I am pleased that he has made the essential point that whether one believes in evolution or not, there is no justification for trying to argue there is no God. This question is beyond the realms of empirical observation. Those who arrogantly dismiss God on such a basis are foolish indeed.

Chris Brazendale, Tauranga, New Zealand

Read it correctly: The Pope does not endorse "intelligent design" and what is known as "creationism", although the article wants to give that impression.

Ken, London, UK

Fodder for another book from Dr. Dawkins, I suspect.

Boring! Il Papa. Genocide, suicide bombings, sex in the World Bank, Citigroup cutting 17,000 jobs while spending billions to make acquisitions in Japan and Taiwan - these are the results of intelligent design?

Give God a break; she deserves it.

Tom, Hong Kong, SAR China

"unnecessarily narrowed humanity's view of creation"?? It's just the opposite. Darwin was right when he said there was "grandeur in this view of life".If nothing else evoultionary theory has replaced superstition with reason.

Jim Verde, Johnston, USA R.I.

Just while we are at proving things: Until now, no one has been able to prove the existence of any god. So god/allah/jehova/... is not more than a convenient assumption for some people.

Jeronimo, Birmingham,

The last post is absolutely ridiculous! There is no scientifice proof stating that wisdom teeth are now redundant. If Evolution is true then at what point in the evolutionary process did organisms decide that they need eyes to see? Up to that point were all organisms blind? How about those organisms with hearts, lungs, and brains? The human brain is far more complex than the most powerful computer, yet nobody says that the BEAST in Brussels evolved from an Amstrad computer...

Face it people, there is not one shred of evidence for MACRO EVOLUTION (one species changing in to another) however, MICRO EVOLUTION happens all the time such as an extra chromosome which people with Downs Syndrome possess- nobody would dare argue that people with Downs Syndrome are not just as human as those without it or that they are "evolving" into a better and stronger species...

JO, Greenford, England

Is Benedict any different from Jean Paul II? After all, he was his advisor. What is surprising is that it has taken this long for Catholic theologians to be able to (publicly) reconcile the tenets of Darwinism with those of the Christian faith -- these have never seemed to me to be completely incompatible. What I do think is incompatible is the belief in "God" and the credibility of a self-appointed proxy for "God" on Earth in the guise of the Roman Catholic Church or any other organised religion, for that matter. I wonder how "God" feels about human beings using "him" to maintain their own power base and to validate many of the ill-advised or even evil things they say or do?

Kathryn, Vienna, Austria

There's no fool like an old fool. It's sad that he is heard and respected by millions of "followers".

Fettler, Los Angeles, USA

God didnt create man, man created God

Pontious , New York, New York

The world isn't flat, the sun does not revolve around the earth and the universe wasn't created in a week by an invisible super-being. Is intelligent design or existance of God a complete, scientifically proven theory? Not even remotely. No wonder they call it blind faith....

Dan, Hampton, UK

The world isn't flat, the sun does not revolve around the earth and the universe wasn't created in a week by an invisible super-being. Is intelligent design or existance of God a complete, scientifically proven theory? Not even remotely. No wonder they call it blind faith.

Dan, Hampton, UK

Oh Dear!!!
The earth is flat! Again
The Earth is the centre of the universe and the sun evolves around it! Again
Oh Dear!!!!
We must all be put to the stake! Again
Or is there a chink of enlightenment here? No one has come for me yet

Jim Golightly, Prudhoe, England

Nothing can be "scientifically proven" - that's the whole basis of science - a theory becomes accepted until a better one, which fits the evidence, comes along. Evidence is the key word here, which is something the church isn't big on. So far, the evidence points to evolution - creationism is a step back to the dark ages.

Mark, Cambridge,

The pope [John Paul] had his reasons for saying this. But it is also true that the theory of evolution is not a complete, scientifically proven theory.

Correct........ it is not scientifically proven ....however

Evidence of evolution : Everywhere

Evidence of the creation theory or the existence of god ?

There isn't any !! None at all.

Guy , hamburg, Germany

Faith does answer and explains about creations of mankind and other living species in this world. To find out read last the Testament of God the Holly Qur'an.

Mokbul Ahmed, Worcestershire, UK

Evolution is something that is happening all the time. Why do people deny that species change over time. Its occuring right in front of them. In our Holy Book - The Koran - God speaks of altering the species all the time; and He asks why do we not marvel at this? New forms of life are emerging continously. Science has now power to alter species through genetic. This should be celebrated and not feared.

Z Hussain, Rochdale, UK

John Paul II and Benedict rule ok. The trouble is that none can prove or disprove any of this!

Bob Chapman, Lowestoft, England

Get real people. Why do people constantly need to delegate responsibility for their existence to some 'unknown higher power' ? We are responsible for ourselves and those around us. Religion is about praying on peoples fears and peoples inability to accept that this is as good as it gets. Those running the 'religion' industry need to defend their power base against an ever better educated populace. It's vested interests leveraging peoples fears about dealing with life changes - we all have a 'use by date' - accept it and move on. There's no 'place in the sun' when you're dead. You're dead and gone. Enjoy life, make sure you help others to do the same, for future generations...

Ken, Cambridge, UK

Faith does answer and explains about creations of mankind and other living species in this world. To find out read last the Testament of God the Holly Qur'an.

Mokbul Ahmed, Worcestershire, UK

This is just what we need from this reactionary, backward Pope: more fuel to the flames that attack Catholicism. He is such a bad representative of the Church in the world today compared to Pope John Paul II. It's embarassing...

If humans were created by intelligent design, then why have I had to have an operation to remove impacted wisdom teeth? Ans: The human jaw has become smaller through successive generations which means that wisdom teeth are now redundant for many modern humans and only cause pain and infection. Equally, why do some women require Caesareans? These small points alone are enough to prove to me that the design of the human body was not intelligent but is a rough draft that has evolved imperfectly.

If only Pope John Paul could perform a belated Easter miracle and rise from the dead to rescue the Papacy...

MB, Scotland,