Science, Religion and Culture Pope Francis: Audience with participants in the Plenary of the Pontifical Council for Culture, 18.11.2017 Pope Francis: As I wished to affirm in the Encyclical Laudato si', “we urgently need a humanism capable of bringing together the different fields of knowledge … in the service of a more integral and integrating vision” (no. 141), so as to be able to overcome the tragic division between the “two cultures”, the humanistic-literary-theological and the scientific, which leads to a mutual impoverishment, and to encourage a greater dialogue between the Church, community of believers, and the scientific community. The Church, for her part, offers some great principles to sustain this dialogue. The first is the centrality of the human person, which must be considered an end and not a means. This must be placed in harmonious relation to creation, not as a despot guarding God's legacy but rather as a loving custodian of the work of the Creator. The second principle it is necessary to remember is that of the universal destination of goods, which also regards those of knowledge and technology. Scientific and technological progress serve the good of all humanity, and their benefits cannot be of advantage only to a few. In this way, one avoids that the future will add new inequalities based on knowledge and increase the gap between rich and poor. The great decisions on the direction of scientific research and investments in the latter must be taken by society as a whole and not dictated solely by the rules of the market or the interest of the few. Finally, the principle remains that not all that is technically possible or feasible is therefore ethically acceptable. Science, like any other human activity, knows that there are limits to be observed for the good of humanity itself, and requires a sense of ethical responsibility. The true measure of progress, as Blessed Paul VI recalled, is that which aims at the good of every man and man.

BIOLOGICAL SCIENCE: Catholic perspectives in the study of biological science calls us to always reflect on our humanness and the respect for each individual, created in the image and likeness of God. There are many complex issues surrounding the ethical considerations of biological scientific studies. Fostering [students'] capacities and skills of discerning, interpreting, thinking critically, seeking truth and making meaning” is a significant aim of Religious Education in Australian Catholic schools. In his most recent Apostolic Exhortation (Gaudete et Exsultate, March 2018), Pope Francis refutes a closed theology that does not honour questioning, doubting and inquiring. “When somebody has an answer for every question, it is a sign that they are not on the right road” (n.41). Catholic perspectives call us to remain faithful to the truth entrusted to Catholic education, honouring the reality of people's lives: their questions, suffering, dreams, struggles and worries? This apparent opposition needs to be held as paradox; needing the ability to hold this tension in life-giving ways, allowing it to open our minds and hearts to new ways of seeing and being. (Framing Paper: Religious Education in Catholic Schools, NCEC, 2017). Bioethics is a branch of ethical inquiry that examines the nature of biological and technological discoveries and the responsible use of biomedical advances, with particular emphasis upon their moral implications for our individual and common humanity. The Centre for Bioethics and Human Dignity Ethical considerations in this area of study are not limited to religious values and teachings. The Australian National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) released revised Ethical guidelines on the use of assisted reproductive technology in clinical practice and research (ART guidelines).? The ART guidelines are used by professional organisations to set standards for the practice of ART. The ART guidelines are primarily intended for ART clinicians, clinic nurses, embryologists, counsellors and administrators, researchers, Human Research Ethics Committees, and governments. Guiding Principle 7: Processes and policies for determining an individual's or a couple's eligibility to access ART services must be just, equitable, transparent and respectful of human dignity and the natural human rights of all persons, including the right to not be unlawfully or unreasonably discriminated against. Catholic perspectives provide a clear lens for understanding Catholic social teachings about human dignity. Social action is closely linked to the Catholic Social Teaching principles. Social action is a call to live out the Gospel through focusing on human dignity  and caring for God's creation through opportunities for public advocacy and action. Steps to moral decision making Be very clear about the moral question you are asking. The more you deal with moral issues, the more you will realise how often the issues at stake come down to careful use of words, and clearly understanding what different terms mean when used by various parties.