"There is absolutely no incompatibility between evolutionary theory and the Bible's message," Gianfranco Ravasi, in charge of cultural affairs at the Vatican, told reporters, noting the theory had interested Pope Benedict XVI and his recent predecessors.

Coming on the anniversary of Charles Darwin's groundbreaking 1859 publication "On the Origin of Species," the Vatican's March 3-7 meeting -- which will gather a variety of scientists, philosophers and Catholic and Protestant theologians -- sharply contrasts with the stance of creationists. ...