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AIDS Prevention Groups Praise Pope Statement

   "condoms  are not a moral solution, in cases such as prostitution they
   could   be  justified  in  the  intention  of  reducing  the  risk  of
   infection."

   VOA News 21 November 2010
   Pope Benedict XVI delivers his message to cardinals at the Vatican, 19
   Nov 2010

Photo: AP

   Pope Benedict XVI delivers his message to cardinals at the Vatican, 19
   Nov 2010

   Advocates  against  the  spread  of  AIDS have praised Pope Benedict's
   statement  that  the  use  of condoms to stop the spread of HIV can be
   justified in certain cases.
   UNAIDS  chief  Michel  Sidibe  said  Sunday  the  pope's  stance  is a
   "significant  and  positive step forward" in recognizing that "condoms
   have important roles in HIV prevention."
   Pope  Benedict  says  in  a  new  book  to be published this week that
   although  "condoms  are  not  a  moral  solution,  in  cases  such  as
   prostitution  they could be justified in the intention of reducing the
   risk of infection."
   Many  groups  agreed  the  statement by the head of the Roman Catholic
   church was helpful in the fight against the spread of AIDS.  However,
   some advocates felt the pope's stance did not go far enough and needed
   to  include the importance of HIV protection for all couples, not just
   prostitutes. Â
   The statement appears to be a major shift in the Vatican's position on
   the issue.
   Condoms are often used as artificial birth control, which the Catholic
   church  staunchly  opposes.   The  pope says he is against the use of
   condoms to prevent pregnancy. Â
   The  book,  entitled  "Light  of  the  World," is based on a series of
   interviews  earlier  this  year  by German journalist Peter Seewald at
   Pope Benedict's summer residence. Â
   The  pope's  response  about  condoms came in a general question about
   Africa, where HIV is widespread.
   Last  year,  the  pope  caused  an  international uproar on the way to
   Africa when he said that condoms should not be used because they could
   worsen the spread of AIDS.

   Some information for this report was provided by AP, AFP and Reuters.

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