Pontifical Academy of Sciences

The two academies are made up of top-level scholars and experts from around the world who promote studies on issues of concern to the Vatican.

Pope Francis has appointed two new members to the Pontifical Academy of Sciences, epidemiologist Chen Chien-jen and chemist and professor of environmental studies Susan Solomon.

As a follow-up to a 2013 symposium on the origin and evolution of humans, the Pontifical Academy of Sciences held a workshop discussing the latest discoveries about humanity’s earliest ancestors — where they lived and what they may have looked like millions of years ago.

Theoretical physicist Stephen Hawking, who said he did not believe in God, was still an esteemed member of the Pontifical Academy of Sciences and fostered a fruitful dialogue between science and faith. The British-born theoretical physicist, cosmologist and popular author died March 14 at the age of 76.

Access to clean drinking water is a basic human right and a key component in protecting human life, Pope Francis said.

The growing problem of drug abuse and increasingly creative and sophisticated ways suppliers reach users call for increased cooperation in preventing and stopping substance abuse, said several speakers at a Vatican-sponsored workshop.