Pope Benedict is one of the most conservative Popes in recent memory, and that’s saying something since, by nature, pretty much all the popes in modern times have been conservative. However, Pope Benedict has raised eyebrows by announcing, in a semi-official manner, that condoms are okay in limited situations. Specifically, Pope Benedict has allowed condom use to specifically prevent the transmission of HIV and AIDS. Preventing pregnancy is another issue, but baby steps towards progress!
“It’s the first step of taking responsibility, of taking into consideration the risk of the life of another with whom you have a relationship. This is if you’re a man, a woman or a transsexual. We’re at the same point. The point is it’s a first step of taking responsibility, of avoiding passing a grave risk onto another,” said Rev. Frederico Lombardi, who interviewed Benedict at the Vatican concerning the condom controversy.
Ideally, I imagine the Vatican would love it if no one had sex outside of marriage, but we live in a world where that’s increasingly rare. Personal responsibility, practicality, and safety should trump religious doctrine, especially in places where AIDS is rampant (e.g., Africa). If you’re going to sin, why not make it the lesser of two evils and protect yourself and your partner?
Tags: Pope Benedict, Catholic Church, condoms, protected sex, Pope Benedict okays condom use, Pope Benedict says condoms are okay in relationships, AIDS and condom use, condom use okay in limited situations, condoms and religion, Catholicism and condom use, theology, Rev. Federico Lombardi
