Vatican chief astronomer Rev. Jose Gabriel Funes spoke publicly about his acceptance that we might not be alone in the universe. According to an interview with him in Vatican newspaper L'Osservatore Romano, the existene of ET "doesn't contradict our faith." From the Associated Press: "How can we rule out that life may have developed elsewhere?" Funes said. "Just as we consider earthly creatures as 'a brother,' and 'sister,' why should we not talk about an 'extraterrestrial brother'? It would still be part of creation..." The Bible "is not a science book," Funes said, adding that he believes the Big Bang theory is the most "reasonable" explanation for the creation of the universe. The theory says the universe began billions of years ago in the explosion of a single, super-dense point that contained all matter. But he said he continues to believe that "God is the creator of the universe and that we are not the result of chance."