Acta Apostolicae Sedis - Commentarium Officiale814

It follows that dialogue between science and ethics is of the greatest

importance in order to ensure that medical advances are never made at

unacceptable human cost. The Church contributes to this dialogue by helping

to form consciences in accordance with right reason and in the light of

revealed truth. In so doing she seeks, not to impede scientific progress, but

on the contrary to guide it in a direction that is truly fruitful and beneficial to

humanity. Indeed, it is her conviction that everything human, including

scientific research, ''is not only received and respected by faith, but is also

purified, elevated and perfected''.2 In this way science can be helped to serve

the common good of all mankind, with a particular regard for the weakest

and most vulnerable.

In drawing attention to the needs of the defenceless, the Church thinks

not only of the unborn but also of those without easy access to expensive

medical treatment. Illness is no respecter of persons, and justice demands

that every effort be made to place the fruits of scientific research at the

disposal of all who stand to benefit from them, irrespective of their means.

In addition to purely ethical considerations, then, there are issues of a social,

economic and political nature that need to be addressed in order to ensure

that advances in medical science go hand in hand with just and equitable

provision of health-care services. Here the Church is able to offer concrete

assistance through her extensive health-care apostolate, active in so many

countries across the globe and directed with particular solicitude to the needs

of the world's poor.

Dear friends, as I conclude my remarks, I want to assure you of a special

remembrance in prayer and I commend to the intercession of Mary, Salus

Infirmorum, all of you who work so hard to bring healing and hope to those

who suffer. I pray that your commitment to adult stem cell research will

bring great blessings for the future of man and genuine enrichment to his

culture. To you, your families and your collaborators, as well as to all the

patients who stand to benefit from your generous expertise and the results of

your work, I gladly impart my Apostolic Blessing. Thank you very much!

2 Ibid., 7.