One of the gravest matters Pope Benedict XVI will be confronted with during his tenure is the tragic pandemic of HIV/AIDS that is ravaging many parts of the world.

In a congratulatory message, UK-based Christian Aid, expressed their hope that the new pope "will rise to provide the moral leadership and authority required to tackle the significant challenges ahead."

In the statement released Tuesday, April 19, Dr. Daleep Mukarji, director of Christian Aid said he hoped that the "remarkably quick" election of a European pope would "not reflect a lack of understanding by the papal hierarchy of the huge problems in the developing world."

The affects of the AIDS pandemic is best seen in Africa, where life expectancy is at an all-time low because of the deadly virus. The majority of Africans infected with HIV/AIDS come from Sub-Saharan Africa, where it is estimated that there are 25.4 million adults and children affected, according to AVERT, a UK based HIV/AIDS charity.

In the statement, Mukjari expressed his wish that the new pope would have a "more open attitude toward HIV prevention – including the use of condoms."

In January of 2001, the late Pope John Paul II addressed the issue of HIV/AIDS and condom use in Spain, where they were being advocated as a solution to the problem.

At the time, the Bishop Juan Antonio Martinez Camino, secretary-general of the Spanish Bishops Conference, ignited a controversy when he said condoms could have "a place in the global prevention AIDS."

The Vatican shortly thereafter made clear the position of the Roman Catholic Church.

In a written statement the pope said, "The Holy See...considers that it is necessary above all to combat this disease in a responsible way by increasing prevention, notably through education about respect of the sacred value of life and formation about the correct practice of sexuality, which presupposes chastity and fidelity," according to the Associated Press.

A day later, the Bishop’s conference stated that Bishop Camino’s comments "must be understood in the context of Catholic doctrine, which holds that use of condoms is immoral sexual conduct."

Regarding HIV/AIDS in Africa, Mukarji added that Christian Aid "would welcome a fresh approach from the Roman Catholic Church, which is growing so fast in these regions, on this vital issue."




Francis Helguero
Ecumenical Press