Does the Catholic Church Believe in Evolution?

While the Catholic Church does not explicitly reject the theory of evolution, it exercises caution and provides critical guidance regarding its interpretation, especially when such theories are considered in relation to the truths of faith. The Church maintains a prudent stance, emphasizing that while it does not venture into purely scientific debates, it firmly upholds the doctrinal truths that must not be compromised by scientific theories.

The primary concern of the Church regarding the theory of evolution pertains to the philosophical and theological implications that are often attached to it, especially when it is presented in a manner that undermines the understanding of divine creation, particularly the creation of the human soul. The Church insists that any discussion on human origins must acknowledge the immediate creation of the soul by God. This is a non-negotiable aspect of Catholic doctrine, as it touches upon the fundamental belief in the special creation of human beings, made in the image and likeness of God (Imago Dei).

Pope Pius XII, in "Humani Generis" (1950), while not dismissing the scientific study of human origins, cautioned against interpretations of evolution that deny the essential intervention of God in the direct creation of the human soul. This encyclical highlights the dangers of adopting materialistic and deterministic views of human existence that are often associated with evolutionary theory. Such views are incompatible with the truth of human dignity and the spiritual realities affirmed by the Church.

The Church has not issued any official endorsement of the theory of evolution. Its engagement with scientific theories is always guided by the principle that faith and reason are complementary, not contradictory. However, this engagement does not equate to an acceptance of specific scientific theories as definitive explanations of human origins, especially when such theories are still subject to scientific debate and revision.

In sum, while the Catholic Church recognizes the legitimate domain of science in investigating the material world, it remains vigilant against ideologies that misuse the theory of evolution to challenge the doctrinal truths of the Catholic faith. The Church's main concern is to safeguard the faith from interpretations of evolution that diminish the role of divine providence in creation, particularly the direct creation of the human soul by God, the spiritual nature of human beings, and the ultimate purpose of human existence. This cautious stance underscores the Church's commitment to protecting the integrity of faith amidst the complexities of scientific inquiry.