Vatican - A statue of Galileo will be placed in the Vatican gardens, outside the apartment where the astronomer was lodged while he awaiting trial on heresy charges in 1633.
The placement of the statue, underwritten by private donors, is intended as a tribute from the Pontifical Academy of Sciences. Nicla Cabibbo, the president of the Academy, explained: The Church wants to close the Galileo affair and reach a definitive understanding not only of his great legacy but also of the relationship between science and faith.
The statue will be set up this year as one of a series of events in Italy marking the 400th anniversary of Galileo introduction of the telescope.