(19 Mar 09 - RV) Less than two days after Pope Benedict XVI’s appeal for moral and spiritual renewal to fight the spread of HIV and AIDS in Africa, countries of the European Union have expressed concern over the Holy Father’s statements questioning the efficacy of condom distribution as a means of combating the disease.


The Press Office of the Holy See has issued a statement responding to the criticisms, saying the Pope only repeated the Church’s positions and the essential elements of the Church’s commitment to fighting the terrible scourge of AIDS:


First, with education in the responsible use of sexuality and reaffirmation of the essential role of marriage and the family;


Second, research and application of effective treatments, along with efforts to make such treatments available to the largest possible number of patients;


Third, the spiritual care for AIDS victims and all those who experience suffering, for they are ever near to the heart of the Church.