Pope Again Warns Scientists
About Genetic Manipulation

POPE WARNS SCIENTISTS ABOUT GENETIC MANIPULATION

2/5/02 Deutsche Presse-Agentur via <http://www.ngin.org.uk>

Pope John Paul II issued 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."