Pope Paul gave a warning this week that the "prophetic" Moon landing must not be allowed to obscure the crises of war and poverty still afflicting the world. He told pilgrims at his Castelgandolfo villa that the spaceflight was "a triumph of man's ability to dominate the universe." But he added: "We must not forget man's need and duty to dominate himself." Three conflicts were still raging—in Vietnam, Nigeria and the Middle East—and a fourth had broken out between El Salvador and Honduras. "Hunger still afflicts entire populations. What would be the true progress of man if these misfortunes persisted and worsened?" A photocopied message in the Pope's own hand, together with a small Papal flag, were among the items left on the Moon by the crew of the Eagle module.
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How the Catholic Herald reported the moon landing
Staff Reporter

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