Pope John Paul II has condemned human cloning, saying experiments on human genes constitute threats to life.
He was responding to the news last weekend that US researchers said they had cloned a human embryo for the first time.
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"True humanism can never permit methods and experiments that constitute threats against life that are programmed in a scientific and systematic manner," the Pope said today.
He urged a group of doctors at his weekly general audience to strive to defend life and the dignity of the human person and work within respect of moral law.
The Pope, who has condemned stem cell research using embryos before, spoke after many religious leaders and politicians, including US President George W Bush, had condemned the cloning.
US biotechnology firm Advanced Cell Technology Inc said on Sunday they would use the technology not to clone babies but to treat a range of diseases such as diabetes and Parkinson's.
The Vatican blasted the latest cloning experiment on Monday, saying scientists had tampered with human life, while Italian lawmakers called for a total ban on the practice.