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Pope John Paul II formally expressed regret in 1992 for the Church's handling of the Galileo affair, acknowledging that theologians of the time failed to distinguish between the Bible and its interpretation, which is part of the institutional context for the Vatican Observatory's mission.
Public Discourse
Documented public claims — sourced and attributed — with responses where available. The reader evaluates.
Mixed reception
John Paul II stated in 1992 that theologians of the time of Galileo failed to grasp the formal distinction between the Bible and its interpretation, leading to a tragic 'mutual incomprehension'
Source: Papal statement, 1992, as cited by reception-historian research agent