As the global space economy is projected to reach 1.8 trillion dollars by 2035 and thousands of new satellites crowd the orbits above our heads, humanity finds itself at a decisive turning point. A new publication from the Caritas in Veritate Foundation, "Outer Space and Humanity at a Crossroads: A New Frontier of the Common Good," brings together leading voices in science, diplomacy, ethics and theology to ask a question that touches every nation on earth: To whom does space belong?
The volume argues that outer space must remain a res communis - a common good that belongs to all of humanity - and not become the next theatre of geopolitical rivalry, unregulated commercial exploitation, or military confrontation. It calls for renewed international engagement on space law, on the mounting crisis of orbital debris, and on the equitable sharing of the benefits of space exploration among all peoples, including those nations without the technological means to reach the stars on their own.
The publication features a preface by His Eminence Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State of His Holiness, reflecting on the theological meaning of stewardship beyond our planet, and an editorial by Professor Fabiola Gianotti, Director-General of CERN from 2016 to 2025, on how decades of international scientific cooperation can serve as a model for peace and shared progress. Further contributions from the Vatican Observatory, from Professor Dominique Lambert, and from Professor Gregory M. Reichberg explore the ethical foundations, the requirements of International Humanitarian Law, and the deep sense of wonder that the cosmos continues to awaken in the human heart. A second section gathers a remarkable selection of papal pronouncements and Holy See statements from 1956 to 2025, tracing the Church’s engagement with the space age from the era of Sputnik to the present day.
To accompany the launch of the publication, a series of resources has been made available to the public, offering different entry points into its themes.
The full publication can be read and downloaded here: Outer Space and Humanity at a Crossroads — full publication (PDF).
A documentary film of the same title gathers reflections from scientists, diplomats and members of the Church on what is at stake in the years ahead, and can be viewed in full here: Outer Space and Humanity at a Crossroads — documentary.
A short trailer offering an introduction to the project is available here: Trailer.
A reflection by Archbishop Ettore Balestrero, "Exploring the Inner Space of Our Faith," draws a striking parallel between humanity’s outward journey into the cosmos and its inward journey of the spirit: Archbishop Ettore Balestrero — Exploring the Inner Space of Our Faith.
NASA astronaut Mike Hopkins shares his testimony on faith and the experience of life in orbit in a conversation entitled "Finding Faith Among the Stars": Astronaut Mike Hopkins — Finding Faith Among the Stars.
Professor Dominique Lambert discusses the ethical questions raised by emerging technologies, including those connected with the militarisation and commercialisation of space, in a podcast produced by CathoBel: Podcast — Dominique Lambert et les enjeux éthiques liés aux technologies.
A feature broadcast by KTO, "L’Église dans la conquête spatiale," explores the long-standing relationship between the Catholic Church and the exploration of space: KTO — L’Église dans la conquête spatiale.
The publication and its accompanying materials are offered as a contribution to the wider international conversation now under way at the United Nations and in other multilateral fora on the future governance of outer space. They are an invitation to scientists, diplomats, jurists and citizens alike to recognise that what is decided in this generation about the heavens above us will shape the lives of those who come after, and to ensure that this new frontier remains, in the words of the 1967 Outer Space Treaty, "the province of all mankind."
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