UK decision on human embryos "frightening beyond belief"
(Vatican Radio) In Britain, the pro-life group, CORE, said the decision to allow the editing of the genes of human embryos for research purposes is morally wrong and its implications are “frightening beyond belief.” The British Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority announced this week that it had approved a research application from the Francis Crick Institute in London to use new “gene editing” techniques on human embryos. The project aims to provide a deeper understanding of the earliest moments of human life. However critics describe the plan as the first step on a path towards the legalization of genetically modified babies. Josephine Quintavalle is the Director of CORE, an organization that focuses on the ethical dilemmas surrounding human reproduction and she spoke to Susy Hodges.
Fr James Martin: 'Mercy in Motion' helps mercy go global
(Vatican Radio) As policy-makers, politicians and analysts debate questions such as border closures, taxation for refugees and ‘search and rescue’ missions, hundreds of thousands of refugees and forced migrants – men, women and children – struggle to find footing and dignity in whichever their place of arrival.
Church in US celebrates National Catholic Schools Week
(Vatican Radio) The Church in the United States is observing the week of January 31 – February 6 as National Catholic Schools Week 2016. This year's theme, "Catholic Schools: Communities of Faith, Knowledge and Service," focuses on the important faith-building, academic and societal contributions provided by a Catholic education.
Presentation of the book "Witnesses of the Resurrected"
(VIS/Vatican Radio) A press conference was held in the Holy See Press Office on Monday to present the book "Witnesses of the Resurrected", the proceedings of the annual formation course for new bishops organised by the Congregation for Bishops, edited by the Vatican Publishing House (LEV). The speakers were Cardinal Marc Ouellet, P.S.S., Prefect of the Congregation for Bishops; Archbishop Ilson de Jesus Montanari, secretary of the same Congregation, and Archbishop Francesco Cacucci of Bari-Bitonto, rapporteur of the Course.
