Pope Francis meets Pontifical Academy for Life

Pope Francis has told participants of the Pontifical Academy for Life that Virtue is the best that the heart of man offers. 

“Virtue is not just a habit, but it is the constantly renewable ability to choose good. Virtue is not an emotion, is not a skill that is acquired through a refresher course, let alone a biochemical mechanism, it is the highest expression of human freedom. Virtue is the best that the heart of man offers,” the Holy Father speaking in Italian told participants who went to see him at the Sala Clementina (Clementine Hall) of the Apostolic Palace.

In Africa, Burkina Faso, Egypt and the Democratic Republic of Congo are members of the Pontifical Academy for Life. 

The Academy is holding its general assembly in the Vatican from 3 to 5 March under the theme, "Virtues in the Ethics of Life." 

Established in 1994, the Pontifical Academy studies issues connected with the promotion and the defense of human life from an interdisciplinary perspective.  Among other activities, the Academy aims at fostering a culture of life. 

The academy categories Pro-life as applying to those members whose principal activity is pastoral or social assistance, or who are active in Pro-life organisations nationally or internationally.

In general, members of the academy have expertise in different fields of biomedical sciences and related disciplines.

(Email: engafrica@vatiradio.va)