Pope Benedict XVI has called for politicians and other world leaders
to show more respect for human life at its earliest stages by saying
embryos are dynamic, autonomous individuals.
Benedict made the comments during a vespers service Saturday to
mark the beginning of Advent.
This year, the Vatican urged bishops
around the world to make the service a vigil for "nascent life."
The service comes amid continued fallout from the pope's remarks
about condoms and HIV contained in a book-length interview published
this week.
While reaffirming condoms aren't a real or moral solution,
Benedict said people who use them are taking a moral step forward
because they are aiming to protect their partners from HIV -- even when
conception is at stake.
SIC: BW/INT'L