Galileo's trial. Artwork of Italian astronomer Galileo Galilei's 1633 trial for heresy by the Roman Catholic Church. Galileo (1564-1642, right) wrote the Dialogue Concerning the two Chief World Systems (1632), criticising the Church's doctrine that the Earth was at the centre of the Universe (Ptolemaic cosmology). Galileo said the Copernican (Sun-centred) system was correct. Church officials are examining astronomical models at left. Galileo was threatened with death and he finally renounced his views on 22 June 1633. He was kept under house arrest for the rest of his life. His conviction was revoked in 1992. Early 20th century Italian postcard of a 19th century fresco by N. Barabino.