Pope Francis to deliver explosive Encyclical on climate change, poverty

Republican and Roman Catholic Rick Santorum  has already made it clear that he thinks Pope Francis should leave science to scientists.  Of  course there is one small problem with this view because the Pope has a masters degree in chemistry.

From The New York Times:

Jim Yardley, New York Times
…On Thursday, Francis will release his first major teaching letter, known as an encyclical, on the theme of the environment and the poor. Given the pope’s widespread popularity, and his penchant for speaking out on major global issues, the encyclical is being treated as a milestone that could place the Roman Catholic Church at the forefront of a new coalition of religion and science.
… By wading into the environment debate, Francis is seeking to redefine a secular topic, one usually framed by scientific data, using theology and faith. And based on Francis’ prior comments, and those of influential cardinals, the encyclical is also likely to include an economic critique of how global capitalism, while helping lift millions out of poverty, has also exploited nature and created vast inequities.

This will be the week Republican heads explode.  The reality is some of the great scientists have been Jesuits.  One name that comes to mind is Pierre Teilhard de Chardin  who wrote many books about the compatibility of religion and paleontology. He believed that humans were continuing to evolve  and the church would have to evolve with them.  His work was banned by the Catholic Church until 2009 when he was praised instead.  

Yes, this will be a rough week for the Republicans and their corporate masters.