"I confess that something in me tightens whenever I hear a scientist pontificating on issues that belong to the arena of philosophy or metaphysics. I will gladly listen to Stephen Hawking when he holds forth on matters of theoretical physics, but he’s as qualified to talk about philosophical and religious issues as any college freshman."

The existence of the universe is very much a matter of theoretical physics and Steven Hawking, understanding this, is surely more qualified to talk about such issues than Rev. Robert Barron regardless of his opinion that they are philosophical or religious.

I don't know what prompted Steven Hawking's appearance in the media with this opinion, but here is a lecture on one explanation for why the universe does not need any first cause, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ImvlS8PLIo