Polish priest-scientist wins Templeton Prize: Cosmologist Michael Heller

Michael Heller, a Polish Roman Catholic priest and cosmologist whose intellectual and religious life has been grounded in the insights of both science and religion, has won the 2008 Templeton Prize. At about $1.6 million, it is believed to be the largest yearly monetary award given to a single individual.

Heller, 72, who teaches at the Pontifical Academy of Theology in Cracow, was awarded the prize for his work in connecting the realms of physics, cosmology, theology and philosophy.

Prior to the March 12 announcement in New York, Heller said his belief is that the “two worlds” of religion and science are not at odds, and that without the meaning afforded by religion, “science would be meaningless.” –Ecumenical News International