Speaking to an international stem cell conference hosted by the Vatican this past Saturday, Pope Benedict XVI lauded the promises of adult stem cell research, and reaffirmed the Catholic Church’s opposition to any form of research that leads to the destruction of human life. “The potential benefits of adult stem cell research are very considerable, since it opens up possibilities for healing chronic degenerative illnesses by repairing damaged tissue,” said the pontiff. “The improvement that such therapies promise would constitute a significant step forward in medical science, bringing fresh hope to sufferers and their families alike.”