Pierre Teilhard de Chardin, cible insaisissable du Saint-Office (1931-50)

Abstract

Pierre Teilhard de Chardin (1881-1955) was a source of concern for his Order. His superiors tried to protect him from inquiries by the Holy Office. In 1931, his friendship with Édouard Le Roy led to the opening of his first file for evolutionism. When the encyclical Humani generis was proclaimed on 12 August 1950, a persistent rumour suggested that Teilhard de Chardin was one of the principal triggers behind the Roman document. The opening of the Pius XII archives provides an insight into this document and a better understanding of the paradox of Teilhard de Chardin, always accused, never condemned.