Not many years ago, when the therapeutic value of human embryonic stem cells first began to be touted, I frequently came across comments (usually, but by no means always, from the political Left) that can be paraphrased as follows.
The Pope has no business moralizing on this topic because he has no experience and minimal education in cell biology. He should stick to theology. After all, "Science has become the cornerstone of modern life, and it is marvelous in our eyes. And whosoever shall fall on this stone shall be broken: but on whomsoever it shall fall, it will grind him to powder." Science is justified in going on without regard to what the Vatican might decide.
This would usually be followed by claims of the goods to be produced by the use of human embryonic stem cells, claims that are not actually realized in the real world.
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Lately, after comments by Pope Francis on some of the moral problems found in modern economic systems, I come across comments (usually, but by no means always, from the political Right) that can be paraphrased as follows.
The Pope has no business moralizing on this topic because he has no experience and minimal education in business. He should stick to theology. After all, "Economics has become the cornerstone of modern life, and it is marvelous in our eyes. And whosoever shall fall on this stone shall be broken: but on whomsoever it shall fall, it will grind him to powder." Business is justified in going on without regard to what the Vatican might decide.
This is usually followed by claims of the goods to be produced by Capitalism, claims that are not actually realized in the real world.
The complaints really are that parallel. In both cases the claim is that if the Pope really knew just how much more pleasant and comfortable life could be made for the powerful, he would accept the sacrifice of a few of the weak.
Don't bet on it.
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