CTA: Learn about the 2025 Vatican Observatory Summer School

Faith Inspiring Science

Mission

The Vatican Observatory is an institution established by the Holy See for astronomical research and public outreach to advance the scientific understanding of our universe.

Vatican Observatory

About

The Vatican Observatory is one of the oldest active astronomical observatories in the world, with its roots going back to 1582 and the Gregorian reform of the calendar.

The Vatican Observatory stands at the forefront of scientific research covering a broad range of topics, from an examination of the tiniest specks of interplanetary dust to the origin and structure of the universe.

Headquartered at the papal summer residence in Castel Gandolfo, outside Rome, this official work of the Vatican City State supports a dozen priests and brothers (Jesuits and diocesan) from four continents who study the universe utilizing modern scientific methods.

The Vatican Observatory works with the Vatican Observatory Foundation to promote education and public engagement in astronomy, and constructive dialogue in the area of faith and science.

Learn More about the Vatican Observatory
The Pope's Astronomer: Meet Br. Guy Consolmagno | EWTN News In Depth
This award-winning video was produced and edited by Colm Flynn.
Pope Paul VI watching the moon landing

Pope Paul VI watching the Moon landing

Our Impact

For 400 years, the Vatican has been advancing scientific inquiry and promoting awareness of how our universe works. Here are a few examples of our contribution throughout the centuries.

Astronomy

Unique among large observatories, the Vatican Observatory has specialized in long-term survey projects from the 19th century Map of the Heavens to modern catalogs of galaxies, open clusters, and peculiar stars.

Technology

With the Vatican Advanced Technology Telescope and its state of the art CCD cameras, the Observatory has pioneered new ways of building large telescopes.

Physics and Planetary Sciences

Observatory scientists study a range of related sciences such as quantum gravity; meteorites and Moon rocks; and possible life on planets orbiting other stars.

Education

The Vatican Observatory Summer Schools (VOSS) and Astronomy for Catholic Ministers and Educators (ACME) workshops are just two examples of our commitment to education, from K-12 to postgraduate students in the developing world.

Culture and History

The 1582 Gregorian Calendar, biographies of notable Catholic scientists, and workshops on the peaceful uses of space all show the Observatory’s active role in the larger society and the Church.

Learn More about Our Impact

Latest

Recent news, reflections from our scientists, and anything else we are eager to share!

See All

Feature

Special content we wouldn’t want you to miss.

Education

We are passionate about our education mission. Find below recent content worth checking out. Compliments of our friends at the Vatican Observatory Foundation.

See All

Press

We are always delighted when other organizations take interest in our work. Below is some recent coverage on our activities or scientists.

See All

Team

Meet the folks who make sure the scientists have all they need to do their work.

Br. Guy Consolmagno, S.J.

Br. Guy J. Consolmagno, S.J.

Director

Vatican Observatory

President

Vatican Observatory Foundation

Area of Research

Asteroids and Meteorites

  • B.S. Planetary Science - MIT
  • M.S. Planetary Science - MIT
  • Ph.D. Planetary Science - UA
Bio
Rev. Richard A. D’Souza, S.J.

Rev. Richard A. D’Souza, S.J.

Superior

Jesuit Community

Bio
Paul Gabor, S.J.

Rev. Pavel Gabor, S.J.

Vice Director

Vatican Observatory

  • M.Sc. Particle Physics - Charles University
  • M.Sc. Astrophysics - Université Paris VI
  • Ph.D. Astrophysics - Université Paris XI
Bio
Christopher J. Corbally, S.J.

Rev. Christopher J. Corbally, S.J.

President

National Committee Astronomy, Vatican City State, IAU

Area of Research

Stellar Spectroscopy, Human Sentience

  • B.S. Physics - Bristol University
  • M.S. Astronomy - University of Sussex
  • Ph.D. Astronomy - University of Toronto
Bio

Sr. Raffaella Petrini, F.S.E.

Secretary General

Governatorate of Vatican City State

Bio
See All

Join Us

If you are energized by what we do at the Vatican Observatory consider joining us as a monthly benefactor.

Your support makes our work possible and grants you access to a fascinating network of people from around the world!

Donate Now