The Church, Stem Cells and Our Future

[Roselle]

I thought this was an interesting development in that the Vatican’s Pontifical Council has committed $1 million toward adult stem cell research.

foxnews.com/health/2011/01/12/church-stem-cells-future/

As mentioned in the article:

As for the age-old conflict that so many of us perceive between science and religion, I truly think we’re entering a new era of enlightenment, and Reverend Trafny seems to agree.

“Pope John Paul II said it best when he wrote ‘Science can purify religion of error and superstition. Religion can purify science from idolatry and false absolutes,’” he said. “So there is a reciprocal exchange of ideas, and both of them can help each other to provide for a more profound cultural impact for the future.”

 

[Dale_M]

I’m not entirely sure, but my sense is that the Vatican is supporting an educational program to make researchers, investors and professionals concerned with bioethics more aware of the therapeutic opportunities in adult stem cells.

NeoStem’s Stem for Life Foundation, formed to create awareness about the promise of adult stem cells to treat disease, and the Pontifical Council’s Foundation, called STOQ International (Science Theology and the Ontological Quest), will work on a variety of collaborative activities with the goal of advancing scientific research on adult stem cells, exploring their clinical application in the field of regenerative medicine and the cultural relevance of such a fundamental shift in medical treatment options, particularly with regard to the impact on theological and ethical issues.

As part of the collaboration, NeoStem and the Pontifical Council will pursue the development of educational programs, publications and academic courses with an interdisciplinary approach for theological and philosophical faculties, including those of bioethics, around the world.

dfwcatholic.org/breakthrough-the-pontifical-council-for-culture-and-neostem-partner-to-advance-adult-stem-cell-research-9119/.html

On the other hand, in the same article it sounds as if some of that $1 million may go directly to research. Quoting Reverend Tomasz Trafny, of the Pontifical Council for Culture:

“Through educational initiatives with NeoStem and sponsorship of scientific research programs involving cutting edge adult stem cell science which does not hurt human life, we come one step closer to a breakthrough that can relieve needless human suffering. We are particularly excited about NeoStem’s VSEL™ technology and believe that mutual collaboration between NeoStem and the Pontifical Council for Culture could lead to significant financial commitment to support VSEL™ technology research.”

I’m not sure if the Vatican is planning on devoting more money than that initial million dollars, or if they are simply hoping to spark the interest (and investments) of third parties.

 

[Roselle]

It will be interesting to see if this progresses further with research. But education to spark interest of possible benefits in adult stem cells is good also.