Pope Francis told a Vatican gathering that the "Big Bang" theory and evolution are consistent with biblical teachings and are essential to understanding God. He spoke to a plenary assembly of the Pontifical Academy of Sciences.

"When we read about Creation in Genesis, we run the risk of imagining God was a magician, with a magic wand able to do everything -- but that is not so," the pope told the group.

"He created human beings and let them develop according to the internal laws that he gave to each one so they would reach their fulfillment."

Pope Francis rebuked creationist's claims saying that the theory of evolution does not contradict the Bible.

"God is not a divine being or a magician, but the Creator who brought everything to life," the pope said.

"Evolution in nature is not inconsistent with the notion of creation, because evolution requires the creation of beings that evolve."

Because of biblical teachings, the pope said, humans learned to take care of the earth and human nature. He went to speak about Adam's relationship with God and how God taught him to take in account what exists in the world.

He connected the Bible and scientists by saying that God wants us to protect the earth. Hence, scientists too are responsible for protecting God' creations when they vow not to destroy the environment.

"Therefore the scientist, and above all the Christian scientist, must adopt the approach of posing questions regarding the future of humanity and of the earth, and, of being free and responsible, helping to prepare it and preserve it, to eliminate risks to the environment of both a natural and human nature," he said.

Pope Francis has talked about not demeaning gay marriage as well, being the first pope in the Vatican to do so.

Being the first pope from Latin America, he continues to make a list of firsts.