Pope: Abstinence only 'failsafe' way to fight Aids
Pope Benedict XVI today urged African bishops to keep up their fight against Aids, reiterating church teaching that abstinence is the only ‘failsafe’ way to prevent the spread of the virus.
“It is of great concern that the fabric of African life, its very source of hope and stability, is threatened by divorce, abortion, prostitution, human trafficking and a contraceptive mentality, all of which contribute to a breakdown in sexual morality,” Benedict said.
The Pope said he shared the bishops’ concern over the devastation caused by Aids and that he prayed for “all those whose lives have been shattered by this cruel epidemic”.
“I urge you to continue your efforts to fight this virus which not only kills, but seriously threatens the economic and social stability of the continent,” Benedict told the bishops from South Africa, Botswana, Swaziland, Namibia and Lesotho, all visiting the Vatican.
The Vatican has been criticised by those who advocate condom use as a way to help combat the spread of the HIV virus. However, several prelates have suggested using condoms that could prevent a death may be the lesser of evils.
The Pope did not directly touch on that debate in his remarks.
He did say that “the Catholic Church has always been at the forefront both in prevention and in treatment of this illness” and that “the traditional teaching of the Church has proven to be the only failsafe way to prevent the spread of HIV/Aids”.
For that reason, he said, fidelity in marriage “and the safeguard which chastity gives” must always be presented to the faithful, especially to the young.
