Debating Pope’s remarks on condoms
To say that Pope Benedict XVI’s recent comments about the distribution of condoms caused a stir is an understatment.
Anytime the pontiff mentions this sensitive subject is draws attention.
His latest remarks on the issue, made during this week’s papal trip to Africa, are no different.
The Associated Press reported that the pope told reporters on his flight to Cameroon that a responsible and moral attitude toward sex would help fight AIDS, not the distribution of condoms.
His remarks brought both support… :
“Anyone who thinks that condom distribution, eduction and/or research is going to solve a problem which is mostly a function of behavioral recklessness is positively clueless. Not only that, such persons unwittingly contribute to the problem by distracting attention and resources away from that which works,” Bill Donohue, president of the Catholic League For Religious and Civil Rights, said in a prepared statement.
… and opposition:
“We call on the pope to revisit the teaching on condoms with a view to lifting the ban at the earliest possible moment. In his review, he should include experts who are unequivocal that condoms can help prevent the spread of HIV, like UNAIDS, the World Health Organization and HIV/AIDS advocacy organizations around the world,” Jon O’Brien, president of Catholics for Choice, said in a statement.
Meanwhile …
George Wirnkar, director of outreach for Human Life International’s Francophone Africa Region, said the media missed the “true” story behind Pope Benedict’s African trip. Wirnkar expressed surprise over the “furor” over the pope’s remarks:
“I would say that this problem of AIDS canot be overcome with advertising slogans. If the soul is lacking, if Africans do not help one another, the scourge cannot be resolved by distributing condoms; quite the contrary, we risk worsening the problem,” Wirnkar said in a statement.
“The solution can only come through a twofold commitment: firstly, the humanization of sexuality, in other words a spiritual and human renewal bringing a new way of behaving towards one another; and secondly true friendship, above all with those who are suffering, a readiness — even through personal sacrifice — to be present with those who suffer.
“Perhaps the historic first visit of the Holy Father to Africa and his providential first stop in Yaounde, Cameroon should herald an era where the authentic voice of Africans is heard rather than the imposed views of Western press who do not speak for the people of Africa — the continent of hope.”
———-
Reading the comments made by this diverse trio, it is obvious that the issue of condom distribution to combat AIDS continues to spark debate.
(AP PHOTO above: Pope Benedict XVI greets the crowd upon his arrival at Luanda International Airport in Angola, today.)
Carla Hinton
Religion Editor
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