Moreover, the text deals with various subjects more, which today are much debated by the general public: for instance, embryo manipulation, cloning, the use of stem cells and biological material in general. As for "embryo stem cells", for instance, the text says that «taking stem cells from a living human embryo… inevitably causes its destruction; thus, this act is seriously illicit. In this case, research… would not be in the real service of mankind. It actually goes through the suppression of human lives having the same dignity as other human individuals or the researchers themselves» (no. 32). The document "Dignitatis Personae" is an «Instruction of doctrinal nature» (no. 1), which has been expressly approved by Holy Father Benedict XVI. The Instruction is part of the documents «participating in the Ordinary Teachings of the successor of Peter», and believers are supposed to welcome it with «the religious consent of their spirit» (Instruction Dignitas Personae, no. 37).
