Today's reports of remarks by Pope Benedict that the use of condoms might not always be wrong could herald a major breakthrough.
The Catholic church's public opposition to birth control has caused unbridled population growth in many of the poorest parts of the world where people can least afford large families. And its condemnation of the use of condoms has helped to spread HIV and AIDS, particularly in Africa.
The Pope commands considerable power to influence people's behaviour and this apparent liberalisation in the Vatican's position on condums is long overdue.
His explanation is somewhat bizaare, as he suggests that the use of condoms might be justified on a case by case basis to prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS, enabling him to retain his opposition to artificial birth control. But I see no reason to look this gift horse in the mouth.
I cetainly support the notion that religious leaders should serve as a positive influence on the way people behave in society, and I welcome many of their inspiring comments about the need to strive for peace in the world, respect for people of differant races, the elimination of poverty and the like. But I do not beleive that the Pope or any other religious leader has any rightful place in people's bedrooms, particularly when this leads to the widespread practice of unsafe sex.
Grandpa Jonathan
Prague, Czech Republic
