Part Five, At Siena Summary and Analysis

Many viewed Galileo's trial as a case of science versus religion. Anti-Catholics claimed that the church opposed Galileo's theories "on biblical grounds, and that the outcome mocked the infallibility of the Pope."

Galileo's conviction was issued and supported by the Holy Office of the Inquisition, not the Roman Catholic church and Pope Urban. Even though Pope Paul approved the Edict of 1616 and Pope Urban agreed with Galileo's conviction, neither Pope invoked papal infallibility.

Galileo still maintained personal and professional support from several high-ranking members of the church including the friendship of the Archbishop of Siena. After leaving Rome, Galileo went to Siena to stay in the "custody" of Archbishop Piccolomini. It seems however that the act of custody was more of a friendly visit and Galileo's health improves.

Galileo received a letter from Maria Celeste...