VATICAN CITY (CNS): The Vatican is a “student” in the debate about genetically modified foods and will continue to study the issue for some time before making any moral pronouncements on the technology, said Cardinal Renato Martino.
The cardinal, who is president of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace, thanked the 60 scientists, politicians and theologians invited to “teach” the Vatican about the technology during a November 10-11 Vatican seminar.
The meeting, he said, was “an initial moment of study in an itinerary which the Holy See intends, with prudence, serenity and in truth, to continue”.
Responding to criticism that invitations to participate overwhelmingly favoured advocates of genetically modified foods, Cardinal Martino said the seminar was just one step in a long process to gather information.
Opponents, including several national bishops’ conferences, have and will continue to be heard, he said.
