VATICAN - Pontifical Academy for Life: International Congress on “The Human Embryo before Implantation” 27 and 28 February followed by 12 general assembly

Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) - “The Human Embryo before Implantation” is the theme of an international congress to be held in the Vatican 27 and 28 February 2006 at the New Synod Hall, organised by the Pontifical Academy for Life. Speakers will reflect on the scientific aspects and bio-ethics of the subject. The Congress will open with a welcome address by Bishop Elio Sgreccia, president of the Academy and a prolusion by Cardinal Javier Lozano Barragán, president of the Pontifical Council for Health Pastoral Care on the theme “The culture of death against the culture of life, teaching of Evangelium Vitae. The congress participants will be received by Pope Benedict XVI. In three sessions the congress will reflect on: development of embryo before implantation; pre-implantation and prenatal diagnosis; the criteria of organic individuality and the bio-anthropological status of the embryo before implantation. A panel discussion with focus on “Is the embryo a person?”. The general assembly of the Pontifical Academy for Life will take place on 1 March (A.P.) (3/2/2006 Agenzia Fides; Righe:14; Parole:179)