Pope Benedict XVI met with bishops from South Africa, Botswana, Swaziland, Namibia and Lesotho on Friday, during which, an important address was made by the Pope regarding the current pressing challenge of the AIDS epidemic in Africa. This is also the first time the Pope has spoken out his opinion on the issue since his papacy began.

According to Pope Benedict, abstinence is the only "fail-safe" way to prevent the spread of HIV, upholding the Roman Catholic Church’s common teaching. His speech may have once again touched upon the controversial topic on the use of condom as a strategy to fight against AIDS.

The Pope Paul VI's 1968 encyclical Humane Vitae suggested that it was forbidden to use condoms because it blocks the possible transmission of life in heterosexual activity. On the other hand, in the Catholic Church, condom use often implies immoral sexual conduct.

However, most medical professions acknowledge the effectiveness of using condoms and highly recommend it to the world to counter the transmission of the deadly virus. Therefore, The Vatican's opposition to condoms has been criticised by many.

Even though the Pope did not directly respond to the critics yesterday, he emphasised that the Catholic Church has always been at the forefront both in prevention and in treatment of this illness.

The Roman Catholic Church, which has a traditional teaching on family and life issues, insisted fidelity in marriage and the safeguard which chastity gives and that "has proven to be the best way to prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS."

"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 about 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 continued.

Pope Benedict also told the bishops to make sure priests observe their celibacy vows yesterday.

"A world filled with temptations needs priests who are totally dedicated to their mission," said Benedict, "Accordingly, they are asked in a very special way to open themselves fully to serving others as Christ did by embracing the gift of celibacy."