Vatican-Discovered Asteroids Named After Saints: A Growing Tradition
Two asteroids discovered by Jesuit astronomers at the Vatican Observatory in 2012 will be officially named after Saint Faustina and Saint Ledóchowska, the International Astronomical Union (IAU) has approved.
The International Astronomical Union (IAU) has approved the official names of two asteroids discovered by the Vatican.
The two tiny celestial bodies were first identified in November 2012 by astronomers at the Vatican Observatory, including Jesuit priest Richard P. Boyle and Lithuanian astronomer Kazimieras Černis.
The discovery was made at the Vatican Advanced Technology Telescope (VATT) located on Mount Graham, Arizona, a key scientific observation point on the continent.
The Vatican’s Asteroids: Honoring Two Saints
The designated names for the two asteroids are Faustina and Ledochowska, paying tribute to two Polish saints whose lives and testimonies profoundly impacted the Church in the 20th century.
Saint Faustina Kowalska, known for her revelations about Divine Mercy, promoted a message of trust in God’s love that resonated throughout the Catholic world.
Similarly, Saint Ursula Ledóchowska, founder of religious institutes and a tireless advocate for education and charitable works, is remembered for her commitment to the poor and younger generations.
A History of Naming Asteroids After Religious Figures
The practice of naming asteroids after saints or significant figures for the Church has deep roots in the history of the Vatican Observatory, one of the world’s oldest astronomical institutions.
Other asteroids already bear such names, including priests and scholars:
- (8661) Ratzinger, named after the future Pope Benedict XVI when he was a cardinal;
- (560974) Ugoboncompagni, dedicated to Pope Gregory XIII, who instituted calendar reform;
- (562971) Johannhagen, named after Fr. Johann Hagen SJ, director of the Vatican Observatory in the early 20th century;
- (551878) Stoeger, dedicated to Jesuit cosmologist and theologian Fr. Bill Stoeger SJ;
- (565184) Janusz, honoring Jesuit astronomer Fr. Robert Janusz SJ;
- (302849) Richardboyle, named after Jesuit astronomer Richard P. Boyle;
This initiative, as previously highlighted, demonstrates how the Catholic Church actively participates in contemporary cultural and scientific dialogue.
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