Posted on 07/11/2006 12:20:18 PM PDT by NYer
Conjecture aside ... wow:According to the Italian newspaper La Repubblica, “Pope Benedict is preparing a document on bioethics, biogenetics and in particular, on the protection of the embryo."
The Pope wishes to prevent any manipulation of the human embryo on the ground that whatever is ‘technically possible’ in this area is ‘morally unacceptable.’
The Pope has reportedly asked the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith to study the issue in depth, and the CDF has already started examining its various aspects by meeting with experts in the field.
...
“Since the problems in this field have grown even more in the 20 years since Donum Vitae,” Bertone told Repubblica, “and there have been a whole series of advances in the field of biogenetics meanwhile, the entire subject (assisted reproduction) is being reviewed with experts.”
He also said it has not yet been decided whether a whole new document will be written or whether to simply add an appendix to Donum Vitae.
...
It seems clear that Papa Ratzinger intends to make bioethics into the warhorse of his Pontificate: against contemporary culture and even against the mass media, whom he has referred to lately with reproach.
The spirit of the forthcoming Vatican document, according to Cardinal Bertone, is that “the very basis of human nature is non-negotiable and our culture should take account of human nature.”
Even the secretary of the Italian bishops conference, Mons. Betori, stated vehemently at a recent conference in Rome: “Enough with these accusations of Church intereference. The Church stands with and for the human being, and is simply affirming its duty to protect our roots.” [source]
"It seems clear that Papa Ratzinger intends to make bioethics into the warhorse of his Pontificate."I'd love to see that claim flushed-out a bit more...
Courageous Benedict.
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