Pope warns against misuse of biotechnologies
Pope Francis addresses members of the National Committee for Biosafety, Biotechnologies and Life Sciences. |
(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis has urged
scientists and experts in biotechnologies to always be aware
of the effects their decisions can have on human life and on creation.
The Pope was addressing members of the National
Committee for Biosafety, Biotechnologyand Life Sciences at
an audience in the Vatican.
The main issues addressed by the Committee’s various working
groups include: genetic testing, gene therapy, tissue engineering, development
of biotechnology, cloning, Italian and European legislation, clinical trials,
GMOs, infrastructure, information, genetic testing, biobanks, and bio
nanotechnology.
Remarking on the fact that the themes and issues that the
committee faces are of great importance for contemporary man, both as
individuals and in relation to the social dimension, the Pope said: “your task
is not only to promote the harmonious and integrated development of scientific
and technological research that relates to the biological processes of plant,
animal and human life”; you are also asked to predict and prevent the negative
consequences that a distorted use of science and technology can result in when
“they are used to manipulate life”.
Highlighting the principle of accountability which, the Pope
said, is an essential cornerstone of human action, he said that various fields
of technology and science put a “huge and growing power into the hands of
man”.
“A grave risk is that citizens, and at times even those who
represent and govern them, are not fully aware of the seriousness of the
challenges that arise, of the complexities of the problems to be solved, and
are in danger of misusing the power that sciences and biotechnologies put in
their hands”.
Pope Francis said that when the connection between economic
power and the power of technology is a strong one, interests can come into
play; choices can be taken in light of possible profits for industrial and
commercial groups to the detriment of populations and of the poorest nations.
“It is not easy to reach a harmonious composition of the
different scientific, productive, ethical, social, economic and political
realities that promotes a sustainable development that respects our ‘common
home’” he said.
It is something that requires humility, courage and
openness, he said, certain that the contribution given by men of science to
truth and to the common good, contribute to the development of civil
conscience.
Pope Francis reminded those present that sciences and
technologies are made for man and for the world and not the opposite.
“May they be put to the service of dignified and
healthy lives for all, now and in the future, and may they help render our
common home more livable and supportive, more cared for and safe-guarded” he
said.
The Pope concluded his address encouraging those present to
initiate and sustain processes of consensus amongst scientists, technology
experts, businessmen and representatives of the institutions, and to identify
strategies to enhance public awareness on the issues raised by developments in
Life Sciences and biotechnology.
Không có nhận xét nào:
Đăng nhận xét