91st Street chaplain John Kamas SSS attended a conference on regenerative medicine April 28 - 30 at the Vatican.
The three-day international event gathered the world's leading cell therapy scientists, doctors, ethicists, philanthropists, religious leaders and government officials to discuss the latest advancements in cellular therapy, with a particular focus on pediatric cancers, rare diseases, and diseases related to aging. Speakers included the most renowned researchers and doctors in the field, Vice President Joseph Biden, and His Holiness, Pope Francis. It was the third conference of its kind organized by the Vatican's Pontifical Council for Culture and The Stem for Life Foundation.
The conference aimed to raise global awareness of and catalyze funding for the advancement of regenerative medicine and stem cell therapies, most of which are not yet approved by the FDA and thus not covered by health insurance in the U.S.
Father Kamas, who is not only the Convent of the Sacred Heart chaplain but also St. Jean Baptiste Church's pastor, said he offered the help of St. Jean Baptiste in disseminating information about the healing potential of cell therapy and the importance of further advancements. He was invited to attend the conference at the Vatican to learn more.