The debate between creationism and evolution is an "absurdity" since evolution can coexist with faith, said Pope Benedict XVI this week while vacationing in the mountains of northern Italy. While there is much scientific proof to support evolution, the theory cannot exclude a role by God, he said.

"They are presented as alternatives that exclude each other," the Pope said. "This clash is an absurdity because on one hand there is much scientific proof in favor of evolution, which appears as a reality that we must see and which enriches our understanding of life and being as such."

However, evolution does not answer all of the great philosophical questions, he said, including: Where does everything come from?