Pope Benedict XVI told a conference of Catholic pharmacists in Vatican City Monday they had the right to refuse to sell drugs with "clearly immoral goals."

Brought into question were morning-after pills and drugs used for euthanasia, the Italian news agency ANSA reported.

The pope said refusing to sell certain drugs was a "recognized right," adding that it amounted to a form of conscientious objection.

The pope also urged that pharmacists inform their customers about the implications of buying drugs that have "clearly immoral goals."

The Catholic Church says medicines are morally unacceptable if they hasten the end of a life.

"In this field you cannot anesthetize consciences," Benedict said. "The pharmacist must invite everyone to demonstrate their humanity, so that every individual is protected from conception to natural death."  // Copyright 2007 by United Press International




Publication date: 30 October 2007   

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