Jan. 6, 2011: Pope Benedict XVI, framed by a Christmas tree, delivers his blessing from his studio window overlooking St. Peter's Square following an Epiphany Mass, at the Vatican. Benedict XVI is stunned by the wave of violence and intolerance toward Christians around the world, Italy's top churchman said at Epiphany services. (AP)
Christians should reject the idea that the universe was created by accident, Pope Benedict said Thursday, adding that God’s mind was the driving force behind scientific theories such as the Big Bang.
"The universe is not the result of chance, as some would want to make us believe," Benedict said on the day of the Epiphany, where the Bible says the three kings arrived at the birthplace of Jesus, Reuters reports.
"Contemplating it (the universe), we are invited to read something profound into it: the wisdom of the creator, the inexhaustible creativity of God," he added in a sermon at St. Peter’s Basilica.
Many scientists believe the Big Bang created the universe 13.7 billion years ago. Although the pope has previously spoken about evolution, he has rarely discussed scientific concepts such as this one.