14 DAY TRIAL // The Vatican has again proved that its moral percepts and stance on science is based on an obsolete understanding of scientific knowledge, when the host of a talk show on the radio refused to accept a guest that he himself had invited, on account of the fact that he just learned the man's pharmaceutical company produced contraceptives. The host said that this was incompatible with the viewpoint of the Vatican, and that the Holy See should not be seen as associating itself with such individuals.
And maybe it shouldn't, some argue. Maybe the Vatican should stick to telling people whatever it wants, and not try to lure members of the scientific community in numerous debates on topics such as evolution or creationism.
The Chief Executive of Swiss drug company Novartis, Daniel Vasella, was first invited to attend the show as an outside commenter, but was later informed that his presence was no longer required. “The approach of the Vatican to artificial contraception cannot be subject to the smallest doubt,” an official handout explained on the radio's website.
It went on to say that “We ask Mr Vasella and our listeners to understand this decision. We have only just learnt from the press that Novartis also produces contraceptives.” As a result of this knowledge, a highly-trained professional was denied access to a public show simply because he didn't represent the point of view of the Catholic Church.
Again, this is the same attitude that the Vatican has adopted throughout its history, silencing opposition and telling everyone who would hear it that science was bad and that the Christian God was the only salvation. Fortunately, people now choose what to believe, and many of them refuse to let their minds be filled with cheap propaganda.
Novartis representatives declined to comment on the decision. The company produces contraceptives as a part of its basic product lines, and these pills help countless women prevent unwanted pregnancies in several countries. Why would anyone want to stop such a company from making its product known is beyond reasonable understanding. But then again, the Catholic Church has never been really understood by anyone.