Galileo Galilei and the Roman Curia

A meticulous reconstruction of Galileo’s infamous trial unfolds through freshly examined Vatican records, offering listeners a rare glimpse into the legal and theological battle that shaped modern science. Drawing on documents uncovered only a few years before its writing, the author weaves together official acts, correspondence, and the controversial 26 February 1616 note, presenting the evidence in clear, contextual narrative rather than abstract archive.

The study not only clarifies long‑debated details of the proceedings but also reveals how contemporary scholars reassessed earlier conclusions about forgery and bias. By tracing the procedural steps of the Curia and Galileo’s own defenses, the book illuminates the fraught relationship between emerging scientific ideas and entrenched ecclesiastical authority, inviting listeners to appreciate the human drama at the heart of a pivotal moment in intellectual history.