On July 20th, the 56th anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing, Pope Leo XIV took a moment to honor one of humanity’s most awe-inspiring achievements with someone who lived it firsthand. On Sunday evening, the Holy Father spoke by phone with astronaut Buzz Aldrin, the second man to walk on the moon, sharing a powerful and heartfelt reflection on that unforgettable moment in history.
According to a statement from the Holy See Press Office, the two men reflected together on the magnitude of the lunar landing—both as a technological milestone and as a moment that pointed beyond ourselves to something greater. They even prayed with the words of Psalm 8, considering how the heavens declare the work of God’s hands, and how human exploration—though bold—is still marked by fragility and wonder.
It wasn’t just small talk. Pope Leo offered a special blessing for Aldrin, his family, and his collaborators. Aldrin, visibly moved, posted shortly after on social media: “Anca and I were grateful and touched to receive the highest blessing from His Holiness, Pope Leo XIV on the 56th Anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing. What an honor! We prayed for good health, long life, and prosperity for all humankind. #PopeLeoXIV.”
Earlier that same day, after his midday Angelus address, Pope Leo took time to visit the telescopes and instruments of the Vatican Observatory, located in the Domes of Castel Gandolfo. It was a fitting gesture—one that bridged faith, science, and the mystery of the cosmos. There’s something poetic about a Pope walking among the stars, so to speak, on the very day the world remembers when man first set foot on the moon.
This conversation between Pope Leo and Buzz Aldrin wasn’t just a historical footnote—it was a moment of human connection, reverence, and shared awe. It’s a reminder that even the boldest achievements of science are fundamentally intertwined with the greatness and glory of God.
And maybe that’s what makes this anniversary so meaningful: not just remembering where we’ve been, but realizing how even the greatest human milestones are most beautiful when seen through the lens of faith.
The Holy See also shared a small scheduling note. While Pope Leo had originally been expected to return to the Vatican on Sunday, the Press Office confirmed that he would remain in Castel Gandolfo through Tuesday, returning to Rome that evening instead. Castel Gandolfo, often called one of the most beautiful villages in Italy, continues to be a place of rest, prayer, and quiet reflection for the Pope during the summer.