Parolin: May science serve human dignity, for it is an irreducible good

Roberto Paglialonga – Vatican City

“If science today offers great potential for growth, there are also notable risks and anthropological implications ahead that require ever more nuanced discernment.”

This was stated by Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin, in his welcoming speech to the participants in the Third Conference.Global Change Summit“ (“Global Changes Summit”) – created by Professor Gabriele Andreoli, President of the Institute for Advanced Study and Cooperation (Iasc), an international non-profit organization that works to promote scientific and collaborative activities in various sectors, from cultural to economic-financial – was held this year with the title “ Forum to help shape a better future” at the headquarters of the Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences.

Therefore, “what we must always remember” – the cardinal continued, quoting Pope Francis – “is the ‘irreducible truth of the human person’”.

Gathered at Casina Pio IV, more than 60 entrepreneurs and innovation specialists presented projects and realities aimed at combining science and technology with respect and protection of creation, and reflected on the possibilities of effectively uniting science and faith in a world that increasingly benefits, at times, Suffering from the progress made by technology.

In the present context, believers are called to make their contribution. “The faithful must have an alert and proactive vision to follow common paths and work for a dignified future for new generations,” Cardinal Parolin said. A question about the legacy left to young people, which Pope Francis had previously raised in a strong tone patrol Laudato Si’ 2015, by asking the question: “What world will we leave to future generations?”

Therefore, he emphasized in conclusion that “concrete choices are becoming increasingly necessary for the good of all.” This is why the “relationship between scientific development and the human person” is important, so that the goal of the “common good” is always kept in mind.

In turn – Professor Andreoli said in the presentation of the event – “What moves and guides us is the deep conviction that every human being has his own dignity and must therefore be able to live his life using any science, technology and faith allow us to do that today.”

During the meeting, health tools aimed at combating endemic diseases found in some countries, such as malaria, were presented. Or projects that integrate recent developments in bioarchitecture with ecosystem protection and use of renewable energy sources.

On the sidelines of his speech, the Foreign Minister was presented with a work of art that “breathes,” which is equipped with technology capable of purifying the air. The work, as described, was created by a robot, and aims to offer the possibility of a physical connection between material technology and the surrounding environment and a connection “between science and faith for a more harmonious world.”