Vatican mulls endorsing genetically modified food

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AP , VATICAN CITY
Wednesday, Nov 12, 2003,Page 7

Critics of genetically modified (GM) foods are warning that a Vatican endorsement of biotech products would be a mistake, while supporters say the Vatican is wisely gathering evidence to make an informed decision about the issue.

Participants at a two-day Vatican conference on biotech foods also questioned whether the Vatican would get a balanced view, since speakers in the pro-biotech camp dominated the discussions, reflecting the views of its organizer, Cardinal Renato Martino.

Martino, who has spoken out frequently about the potential benefits of the technology, opened the conference titled GMO: Threat or Hope by acknowledging it could have far-reaching implications.

"We are fully aware that the stakes are high and delicate," he said, citing the divide in public opinion, commercial interests and ethical questions involved, as well as "the difficulty in defining scientifically a material that is subject to evolving research."

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