Reply #30: Alas, there is a random element in evolution, even if...

[TreasonousBastard]

the end effect appears to be directed. Then of course, we have to ask just why and how a particular evolutionary direction has been chosen...

The Pope is, and apparently always has, making a clear distinction between scientific and spiritual thinking-- a distinction that is common in much religious writing on science, going back to Maimonedes.

It is difficult for the Catholic Church to avoid god of the gaps since they've spent thousands of years defining every aspect of the religion. However, they are doing a pretty good job of digging themselves out of much of the hole of dogma they've dug in that time. This is simply a bit more digging out, and the attacks on the church and the Pope for this are unwarranted.