Pope Francis met the body that advises the Italian parliament on bioethics. It's a committee of experts from various religious and cultural backgrounds. The Pope reminded them of the key considerations that should guide their decisions.
POPE FRANCIS
'This is, in essence, to serve mankind, the whole of mankind, all men and women, with special attention and care, as you have said, toward the weak and disadvantaged. They cannot have their voices heard, or they still cannot speak, or they already cannot do it.â?
The Pope thanked them for considering that the person is an end in itself, not a means to other ends, such as utility or profit.
He then asked them to focus on three areas:
- Environmental degradation.
- Disability and marginalization of vulnerable people, from the elderly to human embryos.
- Unifying bioethical rules across the world.
POPE FRANCIS
'... An international dialogue looking at the possible and desirable, although complex, harmonization of standards and rules of biological and medical activities, rules that can recognize values and fundamental rights.â?
He reminded them that the Church does not seek a privileged voice in this field. Rather, he wants conclusions to be driven by the fundamental values of people and society.
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