Leonard David's INSIDE OUTER SPACE

Image credit: Buzz Aldrin via X

Pope Leo XIV marked the 56th anniversary of man’s arrival on the Moon with a visit to the Vatican astronomical observatory in Castel Gandolfo and a call to Apollo 11 astronaut Buzz Aldrin on July 20.

At the astronomical observatory located in the Pontifical Villas, Leo took a close look at the telescopes that have supported celestial exploration from a faith-based perspective for decades.

Image credit: The Holy See Press Office

“This evening, 56 years after the Apollo 11 moon landing, I spoke with the astronaut Buzz Aldrin. Together we shared the memory of a historic feat, a testimony to human ingenuity, and we reflected on the mystery and greatness of Creation,” Leo posted on X.

Mystery of Creation

Reports Buzz Aldrin on X: “Anca and I were grateful and touched to receive the highest blessing today, from His Holiness, Pope Leo XIV on the 56th Anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing.  What an honor! We prayed for good health, long life, and prosperity for all humankind.”

According to the Vatican News, “with the words of Psalm 8, together they meditated on the mystery of Creation, its greatness and its fragility. Before the end of the phone call, the Pope blessed the astronaut, his family, and his collaborators.”

Apollo 11 moonwalkers, Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin.
Credit: NASA