Vatican Responds to Concerns over Fight against Aids
(19 Mar 09 - RV) Less than two days after Pope Benedict XVI’s appeal for moral and
spiritual renewal to fight the spread of HIV and AIDS in Africa, countries of the
European Union have expressed concern over the Holy Father’s statements questioning
the efficacy of condom distribution as a means of combating the disease.
The Press
Office of the Holy See has issued a statement responding to the criticisms, saying
the Pope only repeated the Church’s positions and the essential elements of the Church’s
commitment to fighting the terrible scourge of AIDS:
First, with education
in the responsible use of sexuality and reaffirmation of the essential role of marriage
and the family;
Second, research and application of effective treatments,
along with efforts to make such treatments available to the largest possible number
of patients;
Third, the spiritual care for AIDS victims and all those who
experience suffering, for they are ever near to the heart of the Church.