Guy Consolmagno, an astrophysicist with degrees from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), serves as the Director of the Vatican Observatory, informally known as "the Pope's Astronomer." Appointed to this role by Pope Francis in September 2015, Brother Consolmagno is a Jesuit brother renowned for his work bridging science and faith, particularly in the fields of planetary science and meteoritics.
The New Yorker recently highlighted Consolmagno, stating, > "Guy Consolmagno is an M.I.T.-educated astrophysicist and science-fiction enthusiast who hails from Michigan. He’s also the Pope’s official astronomer." This underscores his unique blend of rigorous scientific background and approachable public persona. He earned his S.B. and S.M. degrees in Earth and Planetary Sciences from MIT in 1974 and 1975, respectively, and a Ph.D. from the University of Arizona's Lunar and Planetary Laboratory in 1978.
Before joining the Society of Jesus in 1989 and being assigned to the Vatican Observatory in 1993, Consolmagno conducted postdoctoral research at Harvard College Observatory and MIT. His scientific contributions primarily focus on meteorites and asteroids, and he also curates the Vatican's extensive meteorite collection. An asteroid, 4597 Consolmagno, was named in his honor in 2000 by the International Astronomical Union.
As Director, Brother Consolmagno actively engages in public outreach, explaining the compatibility of scientific inquiry with religious conviction. He is a prolific author, with several popular science books to his name, including "Would You Baptize an Extraterrestrial?" In 2014, he received the Carl Sagan Medal from the American Astronomical Society for his outstanding communication of planetary science to the general public.
The Vatican Observatory, with roots tracing back to Pope Gregory XIII's calendar reform in the 16th century, operates facilities in Castel Gandolfo, Italy, and a telescope in Arizona. It stands as a testament to the Catholic Church's long-standing engagement with scientific research. Consolmagno's leadership continues this tradition, fostering dialogue between the scientific community and the public on cosmic wonders and humanity's place within them.