There is a branch of science called Astrobiology or Exobiology. Applying all modern branches of science, it studies the possibility of existence of living beings in other planets or stars and consequence of human contact with any of the terrestrial form of life. On July 16, 1969, the day Unites States sent Apollo 11 to moon with three astronauts, the CFR (Code of Federal Regulations) passed a law concerning extraterrestrial contacts. Its title 14 in section 1211 stipulated that anyone who comes into contact with any form of extraterrestrial life should immediately report the matter to the federal Government and undergo a period of quarantine to prevent the spread of harmful bacteria or viruses or other dangerous pathogens on earth. The Law was withdrawn in 1991 because no such case was reported except in science fictions like Michael Crichton’s 1969 novel The Andromeda Strain. But scientists have been sending signals into the cosmos, hoping for a response from some intelligent being on some distant planet.

Only the Church has always maintained a dialogue with the inhabitants of another world — the saints – that is both possible and profitable. That is what we proclaim when we say the Creed, “I believe in … the Communion of Saints” and when we celebrate All Saints Day. Even if inhabitants outside of the solar system existed, communication with them would be impossible, because between the question and the answer, millions of years would pass. But in the case of saints, the answer is immediate because there is a common center of communication and encounter, and that is the risen Christ. (Adapted from Fr. Raniero Cantalamessa, OFM Cap, Vatican).