The Pontifical Academicians are eighty women and men from many countries who have made outstanding contributions in their fields of scientific endeavour. They are nominated by the Supreme Pontiff after being elected by the body of the Academicians.  Membership is non-sectarian in character.  Amongst the Academicians are people as widely disparate in scientific interests and confessional adherence as Stephen Hawking (Physics) and Rafaelle Farina SDB (Church History).

The Pontifical Academicians participate in study groups and meetings organized by the Academy to examine specific issues. Their deliberations and scientific papers are published by the Academy. They assemble in the Vatican in the Casina of Pius IV for Plenary Sessions.
The Pontifical Academy of Sciences is an independent entity within the Holy See. 

Although its rebirth was the result of papal initiative, and though it is placed under the direct protection of the reigning Supreme Pontiff, the Academy defines its own goals with regard to its statuted aim:  "...to promote the progress of the mathematical, physical and natural sciences and the study of epistemological problems relating thereto".  Since the deliberations and studies which it undertakes are not influenced by any one national, political or religious point of view, the Academy constitutes an invaluable source of objective information upon which the Holy See and its various bodies can draw.

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