Vatican names seven modern sins

For the first time in 1,500 years, the Church has named seven new mortal sins, which are becoming a particular feature of modern life. L'Osservatore Romano, the Vatican's official newspaper reported yesterday that the Apostolic Penitentiary have named the following offences: genetic modification; human experimentations, polluting the environment; social injustice; causing poverty; financial gluttony; and taking drugs. . Monsignor Gianfranco Girotti, head of the Apostolic Penitentiary said: "The sins of today have a social resonance as well as an individual one. In effect, it is more important than ever to pay attention to your sins." "You offend God not only by stealing, blaspheming or coveting your neighbor's wife, but also by ruining the environment, carrying out mortally debatable scientific experiments, or allowing genetic manipulations which alter DNA or compromise embryos," the Times quoted Mgr Girotti. Girotti also recognized the growing problems of abortion, pedophilia, and a widespread habit of "making do without God." "Those who trust in themselves and in their own merits are, as it were, blinded by their own 'I' and their hearts harden in sin," said Girotti.