Thread: Pope condoms 'increase' AIDS epidemic in Africa

Pope: Condoms 'Increase' AIDS Epidemic in Africa

Tuesday , March 17, 2009

AP
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ABOARD THE PAPAL PLANE —
Pope Benedict XVI said Tuesday that the distribution of condoms is not the answer in the fight against AIDS in Africa.

Benedict has never before spoken explicitly on condom use although he has stressed that the Roman Catholic Church is in the forefront of the battle against AIDS. The Vatican encourages sexual abstinence to fight the spread of the disease.

"You can't resolve it with the distribution of condoms," the pope told reporters aboard the Alitalia plane headed to Yaounde, Cameroon. "On the contrary, it increases the problem."

Some priests and nuns working with victims of the AIDS pandemic ravaging Africa question the church's opposition to condoms.

The pope also said that he intends to make an appeal for "international solidarity" for Africa in the face of the global economic downturn.

He said that while the church does not propose specific economic solutions, it can give "spiritual and moral" suggestions.

Describing the current crisis as the consequence of "a deficit of ethics in economic structures," the pope said, "It is here that the church can make a contribution."

Benedict's seven-day pilgrimage will take him to Cameroon and Angola.

Africa is the fastest-growing region for the Roman Catholic Church.

Abstinence is great and all. But when women are raped just because. It isn't going to solve anything!

You know what I meant. This goes deeper than just wearing condoms.

Originally Posted by WorstPE

You know what I meant. This goes deeper than just wearing condoms.

yes, when pre-teen girls are forced to sell themselves for sex to pay for food to feed their families, the popes argument seems a little deflated. My father is a Calvinist, believe me, I'm trying to be as polite as possible.

Actually, the reason young girls are so often raped is the wide spread belief among African males infected with AIDS is that having sex with a virgin cures them of their disease.

Gotta love this quote, though...

He said that while the church does not propose specific economic solutions, it can give "spiritual and moral" suggestions.

Like, "Well, we're sorry we don't have any idea how to feed you, clothe you, or help you medically, but here, have a few thousand Bibles. By the way, you're all godless heathens who will likely go to hell."

I'm liking this new pope less and less as time goes on.

Burrrrrrnn

Originally Posted by jason_jinx

Pope is just a regular man nothing special. His views are no better than Ak-99's.

Originally Posted by Tick

Actually, the reason young girls are so often raped is the wide spread belief among African males infected with AIDS is that having sex with a virgin cures them of their disease.

really? is that what they really believe?