Pope says life, nature deserve humans' respect, not manipulation

Published: 2004-08-23

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- God's gift of life and nature demand humankind's awe and respect, not arrogant manipulation, said Pope John Paul II. "Man's attempt to take on the source of life through experiments of human cloning" is one of many examples of "the violence with which man tries to appropriate for himself what's true and right," the pope said in a written message to the Catholic lay movement Communion and Liberation. The only limits man sets for himself in his drive toward progress "are those set and continually overcome by what is technically feasible" at the time, he added. Humankind's pursuit of progress should instead be limited by ethical concerns, including "truth and justice," said the pope. The pope's message -- released Aug. 23 by the Vatican -- was addressed to Bishop Mariano De Nicolo of Rimini, Italy. The eastern coastal city is hosting an Aug. 22-28 meeting sponsored by the Italian branch of Communion and Liberation.

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