The Latest: Pope says cancer research must be seen by all

VATICAN CITY (AP) - The Latest on Vice President Joe Biden's visit to Vatican City and Rome (all times local):

12:35 p.m.

Pope Francis is stressing that stressing that research advances in curing diseases must be available to all people.

The pope was addressing a conference at the Vatican Friday about regenerative medicine, which included a speech by U.S. Vice President Joe Biden about cancer research.

Francis says research, both academic and industrial must give "unwavering attention" to moral issues, so it will "safeguard human life and the dignity of the person."

The pope cited his previous comments that when it comes to health care and other areas of progress, "an economy of exclusion and inequality" must be opposed because that would mean "the mechanism of profit prevails over the value of human life."

11:40 a.m.

Vice President Joe Biden says the world is on the cusp of unprecedented scientific discoveries and medical breakthroughs. But he says it's critical not to forget that real people's lives are behind that work.

Biden is speaking about cancer research at the Vatican at a conference on regenerative medicine. He's reflecting on the death of his son, former Delaware Attorney General Beau Biden, to brain cancer last year.

Biden says there's always a child, spouse or loved one in pain. He says they're sustained by the hope that there will be a cure.

The vice president says the international community must tackle cancer the way it tackles infectious disease. He's calling for greater data-sharing and more global investment in research. Biden says philanthropists, governments and corporations should all step up.

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9:00 a.m.

Having pushed to accelerate cancer research at home, Vice President Joe Biden is working to focus the global community's attention on the devastating disease in a speech at the Vatican.

At a conference on regenerative medicine Friday, Biden plans to draw connections between medical research and broader societal issues that Pope Francis has shined a light on. Biden will see the pontiff, who also speaks at the conference, but it's unclear whether they will hold a substantial meeting.

Last year, Biden lost a son to brain cancer. Months later he declared a "moonshot" to cure cancer.

Biden, a Catholic, also plans to meet with Cardinal Pietro Parolin at the Apostolic Palace. He'll also visit Palazzo Chigi to meet with Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi before returning to Washington on Friday afternoon.