Is Pope Benedict XVI Right on HIV/AIDS Prevention in Africa?

The pope says abstinence, and not condoms, is the way to slow the spread of AIDS in Africa

By U.S. News Staff

March 17, 2009 RSS Feed Print

While visiting Cameroon yesterday, Pope Benedict XVI made the following controversial statement about HIV/AIDS: "You can't resolve it with the distribution of condoms ... on the contrary, it increases the problem." The AFP reports similar words from the pope on the subject, delivered during the same trip to Africa: "AIDS 'is a tragedy that cannot be overcome by money alone, that cannot be overcome through the distribution of condoms, which even aggravates the problems.'" The pope went on to praise the merits of abstinence in preventing HIV/AIDS. What do you think of Pope Benedict XVI's take on preventing AIDS in Africa? Post your thoughts.

Previously: How Well Is Obama Handling AIG Bonuses?

Tags:
sexually transmitted diseases,
Africa,
Pope Benedict XVI,
Catholicism,
abstinence,
AIDS/ HIV

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the holy Father´s message to many people in Africa is about religious and human civilization. It´s about the message of inner liberation which Christ whom he is preaching and loud proclaming is all about. Only the most uncivilized and ignorant of readers and listeners would misunderstand and disrespect his message or any important message for that matter from anyone else. God bless you.

carlos of TX 6:48PM March 22, 2009

Mary had other children after Jesus. None of those were virgin births. Catholics should be ashamed of the way they bluff the poor into thinking they can pay someones way into heaven with either money or endless mantra's.

K dawg of NM 12:36PM March 19, 2009

Other than his clothes as a fashion statement, what does this man have to offer? An awful lot! The Pope offers a possible solution to war and a down trodden economy.

Often surprised that with skirts for men coming into vogue, why has some avant-garde designer not grabbed onto church ritual garb to make a buck. A selling point would be a contribution of 10% of the gross for either (A) services for people with AIDS/HIV or (B) for condoms. People making the purchase could designate their preference. Add a few trademarks and a signature line authorized by the Pope and this could be trendy, especially for the many thousands, if not millions, who show up at his open masses and candle events. A day with Oprah and the Pope makes this an overnight sensation. As the seasons change we have already witnessed the changing or the garb. And for those cash strapped, hanging onto the clothes for the next year will keep your clothes in style. For the jet set, an Indulgence can be thrown in at a discount, again with 10% of the take set aside by the Pope for services for the victims of AIDS/HIV (but not for condoms).

Ever wonder where the Pope and that entourage buy their dresses, hats, shoes (or are they sandals), robes and wraps? They seem to offer great color coordination and accessory opportunity with beads, crucifixes, can be worn by either sex and cross dressers, transsexuals, at any age, and from petite to extra large. Add scarf, high heels and pocketbook lines and you have a winning fall line-up of clothes to stimulate the economy and help a depressed (religious) market. With the proper attitude, these clothes could make a really important statement.

Once up and running, diversity into Islamic, Jewish, Buddhist, Hindu clothes would be a natural follow-up. Marketing through the religious store outlets in addition to the mainstream stores gives the line a great amount of shelf and hanger space.

In fact the Pope could arrange to have his product fashion line made exclusively in African countries by Africans for the world.

The Jews could do likewise in Israel, the Palestinians in Gaza/West Bank, Hindu in India, Buddhist in China (might seem odd, but it would help China's economy-something like table tennis diplomacy).

In fact, never mind. Does anybody have the Pope's Blackberry number?

tom of NY 10:38AM March 19, 2009

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