www.checkbiotech.org ; www.raupp.info ; www.czu.cz

The new U.S. ambassador to the Holy See urged the Vatican on Saturday to
promote the potential of biotech crops, saying there was a "moral
imperative" to investigate the possible benefits of agricultural technology
to feed the world's hungry, November 2005 by Nicole Winfield.

"Nothing on its own can solve the complex problem of world hunger,"
Ambassador Francis Rooney told Pope Benedict XVI as he presented his
credentials during a Vatican audience. "But we cannot let irrational fears
stop us from investigating what could be one part of the answer."

Benedict, for his part, urged the United States to continue its "generous"
aid to poor countries, lamenting the "crushing debt" that can fuel poverty.

"I am confident that your nation will continue to demonstrate a leadership
based on unwavering commitment to the values of freedom, integrity and
self-determination," he said in remarks provided by the Vatican.

He also told Rooney that all political decisions must be based on ethical
considerations that promote "the dignity, life and freedom of each human
person."

The United States, home to major multinational biotech companies, has for
several years touted the potential of genetically modified food to feed the
world's hungry.

Critics of the technology say there is enough food to feed the world and
that what is necessary is the political will and appropriate policies to
fight hunger. They also warn the potential dangers of genetically modified
food outweigh any benefits.

While much of Europe has been skeptical or opposed to biotech crops,
Washington has found a welcome ear in some Vatican circles. The Roman
Catholic Church has no specific position on the matter.

Cardinal Renato Martino, who heads the Vatican's Pontifical Council for
Justice and Peace, has spoken favorably about the technology and hosted an
international conference on it two years ago.

Last September, he told a conference that the Vatican was open to
experimentation in the field of biotechnology, but he stressed it must be
done with prudence.

In his comments Saturday, Rooney said Washington was committed to providing
aid to feed the world's hungry. But he said the advance of agricultural
science could help people in "even the most difficult environments" produce
crops to feed themselves.

"We look to the Holy See to help the world recognize the moral imperative of
a true investigation of these technologies," he said.

In his first audience with the pope, Rooney also said the United States
considered the Vatican a partner in spreading peace and fighting religiously
inspired terrorism.

Rooney, a Florida businessman and major Republican fund-raiser, was tapped
by President Bush in July to be ambassador, replacing Jim Nicholson.

[www.heraldsun.com]

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