inspiration to two generations of nuclear physicists. Peter also spent much of his life devoting time to studying and promoting the impact of science on society and of its moral obligation. He was an active member of the Atomic Scientists’ Association serving on its Council from 1952 to 1959 and editing its journal from 1953 to 1955. In later years he become the President of the Science Secretariat of Pax Romana of which he edited the bulletin, contributed several articles and book reviews and became a consultant to the Pontifical Consilium for Culture. He encouraged Catholic scientists and priest-scientists to integrate their studies and belief and to publicise their work effectively, emphasising the need for the Church to be thorough and professional with regard to the use of scientific advice and comment. Only two months before his passing away he wrote a letter to his friends discussing ideas for new courses on “Physics for Philosophers”, “Philosophy of Science” and “Effects of Science on Society” at the Gregorian University in Rome. He was writing new books: one on Energy, The Environment and Climate Change and another on Galileo, which should appear soon. “Peter was always willing to give guidance and assistance, and lead by example. He was also the perfect gentleman.” “He was extremely kind and caring and at the same time inspiring to a large number of young researchers.
In Peter's going we have lost a precious gift of God and I have lost a great friend. He was like an elder brother to me, advising, helping and inspiring me at every stage of my career. Whatever I am today Peter has made a huge contribution in all of this. My whole family is indebted to him.” At the end of his address to the Vatican's “Jubilee for Scientists” May 2000 conference Peter, as consultant to the Pontifical Consilium for Culture, ended his address with a prayer: "Let us pray particularly for our priest-scientists and priestphilosophers-of-science, who are able to show us our place in the Divine plan. Let us pray for those in authority over them, that they may understand the vital importance of their vocation, and ensure that they have the support and encouragement they need to continue to develop their scientific knowledge, and to lecture and publish their findings. Let us thank God for giving us a Pope who values scientific knowledge and blesses our endeavours. Finally, let us pray that God may bless our work, so that we can play our full part in the life of the Church and all mankind." Peter achieved eminence in his scientific work and strove to play his part to the full in the life of the Church. All who had the great fortune of knowing him personally will sorely miss the departure of such a great scientist and a great man, husband, father and grandfather. We must thank God for the graces 183