I am not disappointed when reading The Malta Independent as I find that your paper gives extensive coverage and support to worthy causes, be those under the distinguished patronage of the President, right down to even small initiatives. In this context we would perhaps do well to reflect that supporting those less fortunate than ourselves does not just mean pitching in with financial or volunteer help but also involve other ramifications.

In a recent address to a newly appointed Ambassador to the Holy See, just prior to leaving the Vatican for his state visit to Great Britain, Benedict XVI shared this reflection, in the context of his earlier mentioning by name several Germans who are to be beatified soon for standing fast in their fate in the face of oppressive Nazism in Germany.

Among other things the Pope asserted: “The new possibilities of biotechnology and medicine frequently put us in situations as difficult as walking on the razor’s edge. It is our duty to study diligently to what point these methods may be helpful to the human being and where, instead, it is a matter of manipulation of the human being and a violation of human integrity and dignity.

“We cannot refuse such developments but we must also be attentive. When people begin to make distinctions – and often this is already done in the maternal womb – between a life that is worthy and one that is unworthy of living, no other phases of life will be spared, especially not old age and infirmity.”

Earlier Benedict XVI had asserted the constant principle, incorporated in Christianity “that the human being should be protected precisely in situations of weakness; the human person always takes priority over other aims.”

G. Bonett

Marsalforn