Pope's U.N. Remarks Appear to Denounce Stem Cell Research

Daily Women's Health Policy Report: Pope at U.N. Speaks Against Science That He Says Violates 'Order of Creation':

Pope Benedict XVI on Friday at the United Nations General Assembly spoke against technology and science that he said violates the "order of creation," which seemed to refer to stem cell research and cloning, Long Island Newsday reports (Schuster/Dowdy, Long Island Newsday, 4/19).

Benedict said, "Notwithstanding the enormous benefits humanity can gain [from technology and science], some instances of this represents a clear violation of the order of creation, to the point where not only is the sacred character of life contradicted, but the human person and the family are robbed of their natural identity." The use of science and technology should be limited to "rational" ways to "rediscover the authentic image of creation," Benedict said, adding, "This never requires a choice to be made between science and ethics. Rather, it is a question of adapting a scientific method that is truly respectful of ethical imperatives" (Boorstein/Lynch, Washington Post, 4/19).