Pope warns scientists about genetic manipulation 

Deutsche Presse-Agentur 5feb02

Vatican City: Pope John Paul II issued Tuesday a new warning about genetic manipulation, telling scientists that "not all that is technically feasible is morally right". The achievements of modern day medicine and biotechnology could tempt man into wanting to modify the "tree of life", the pope said in his traditional message for Lent, which was published by the Vatican on Tuesday. But life, the pope said, should be viewed as "a gift from God" and not as "private property".

The Vatican traditionally opposes any form of genetic manipulation, human cloning and research using stem cells from young embryos. On Sunday, the pope had urged legislators to move towards the legal recognition of the human embryo. In his message for Lent - the period that leads to Easter during which Christians are called to fasting and penitence - the pope called on the faithful to "give freely", particularly towards the sick and poor, because we "have received freely." 

• Philippines: Church Fights GM Crop *
• South Africa - Bishops call for moratorium on GM Food *
• The Impending Disaster Statement of the Catholic Bishops of South Africa 14nov01
• Biotechnology and genetically modified organisms - Christian Aid briefing Jan00
• Christian Ecology Link CEL's views on GM and the farmscale trials*
• Why the Church of England won't allow GM crop trials on Church land*

* Link will open in new window

sent by Norfolk Genetic Information Network (ngin), http://www.ngin.org.uk 6feb02