Galilei, Galileo (1564-1642)

Catholic Christian

Galileo Galilei was one of the first astronomers to use the telescope. Using the telescope, he discovered the moons of Jupiter, the phases of Venus, and other astronomical phenomena. He was a strong advocate for the heliocentric theory of Copernicus, and came into conflict with church authorities over his pro-Copernican writings.

Click here for Vatican Observatory Faith and Science entries about Galileo Galilei.