VATICAN (CWNews.com)

    Speaking to a conference of physicians in Rome on the subject of medicine and human rights, Cardinal Dionigi Tettamanzi of Genoa argued that individualism and materialism are "pseudo-rights," which do not have the same authentic standing as the innate dignity of the human person.

    In his July 4 address, Cardinal Tettamanzi said that the Gospel sets forth an accurate understanding of human rights, guided by the overall principle that every human being-- including the sick, the elderly, the handicapped, and sinners of all description-- is a child of God. That perspective, he pointed out, is completely incompatible with the ideologies of "individualism, utilitarianism, and hedonism" which are so powerful today.

    Speaking to a conference which drew 5,000 doctors from 40 different countries, the Genoa prelate argued that contemporary ideologies have caused a "grave impoverishment" of person-to-person relationships, including those that are essential to the proper practice of medicine. If human dignity is not held in reverence, he explained, the first people to feel the negative effects will be those who are vulnerable, especially the sick, the handicapped, and the elderly.

    The physicians' conference will continue in Rome until July 7, when Cardinal Tettamanzi will celebrate a closing Mass in St. Peter's basilica and the participants will have a private audience with Pope John Paul II.

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