A Catholic Change

Pope Benedict XVI has recognized the possible use of condoms in a bid to stop infection.

The latest comments come as a new book is due to be published next week.  Light of The World - The Pope, The Church and the Signs of the Times is based on the interview with German Catholic journalist, Peter Seewald.  In the interview, The Pope has said that condoms may be used in certain situations.

Pope Benedict XVI stated of the Church's stance: "She of course does not regard it [using condoms] as a real or moral solution, but, in this or that case, there can be nonetheless, in the intention of reducing the risk of infection, a first step in a movement toward a different way, a more human way, of living sexuality."

The remarks do not encourage the use of condoms as the answer to HIV and Aids, but he has said their use may be justified to prevent spread.  In a trip to Cameroon last year, the Pope was criticised for his comments that the use of condoms only made the spread of HIV/Aids worse.  

Campaigners have welcomed the news, saying that it is a positive step in thinking.  UNAIDS, the United Nations programme on HIV/Aids, in particular is pleased about the new stance.  UNAIDS Executive Director, Michel Sidibe said: "This move recognises that responsible sexual behaviour and the use of condoms have important roles in HIV prevention."

Although the move is seen as a monumental change in doctrine, the Catholic Church has not changed their view on contraception. According to the Catholic Voices group, this take by the Pope about condoms is not new with Catholic moral theologians.  Austen Ivereign, coordinator of the group, said that because the Pope was suggesting that condoms be used not for contraception, but to stop the transmission of HIV/Aids; Catholic moral theologians would say that it was on a “different moral order” and therefore not compromising the Catholic belief.