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The Pope's Astronomer: Lessons from a Decade Leading the Vatican Observatory

Science, Technology & Innovation

The Pope's Astronomer: Lessons from a Decade Leading the Vatican Observatory

A Conversation with Brother Guy Consolmagno

Friday, April 17, 2026
11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Doors at 11:15am / Lunch at 11:30am / Forum begins 12:00pm

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"Studying the stars, just going outside at night and looking at the stars reminds you that the universe is bigger than whatever it is I'm scared of at this moment." – Brother Guy Consolmagno

Since 1891, if the Pope--whether it be John Paul II, Benedict, Francis, or Leo--has had questions about the stars, he would turn to the leadership of the Vatican Observatory. For the past decade, Brother Guy Consolmagno has been that leader, with a team of scientists operating out of facilities in both Rome and the Arizona desert.

The science conducted in those places is exactly what you'd expect from any serious astronomically oriented outfit--it's just all done by Jesuits with an eye toward not just the heavens, but the greater glory of God.

Brother Guy, as he is known, came to Rome's Castel Gandolfo in 1993 as a staff scientist, so to speak. Along the way, he had discerned that though he was destined for a vocation, he was not suited to the priesthood. He is the author of among other books, "Finding God in the Universe," and "Would you Baptize an Extraterrestrial? ...and Other Questions from the Astronomer's Inbox at the Vatican Observatory."

Brother Guy retired last September and will join us in conversation with Kirsten Ellenbogen, President and CEO of the Great Lakes Science Center.

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Online ticket sales for this forum will conclude on Wednesday, April 15th at noon. Still need a ticket? Let us know! Complete the ticket waitlist form here. We will reach out directly if we can accommodate your request, subject to availability.

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The livestream will be available beginning at 12:00pm. Have questions for the Q&A? Text them to 330.541.5794.

Production and distribution of City Club forums in partnership with Ideastream Public Media is generously provided by PNC and the United Black Fund.

The ideas expressed in City Club forums are those of the speakers, and not of the City Club, Ideastream Public Media, or their sponsors.

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