Christopher McKitterick

I wouldn't be surprised if the Vatican has had a Chief Astronomer for several centuries. I mean, they didn't slap down Copernicus and Galileo for the science, but for the (indirect) power challenge to the Papal Authority. Copernicus understood that and waited until his deathbed to publish his pamphlet. Galileo was arrogant enough to not particularly care, and in the end the Vatican renounced the judgement against him. Granted, it was in the 1960s or '70s, but they finally backed down. ;)