Vatican responds to Belgium’s ‘protest’ against Pope over condoms in Africa

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Vatican City, Apr 3, 2009 / 01:42 pm (CNA).- In response to Belgium’s diplomatic protest against Pope Benedict’s comments that condoms could potentially "increase the problem" of AIDS being spread in Africa, Father Federico Lombardi, director of the Holy See newsroom questioned whether the lawmakers had considered the Popes words and scientific research, or whether they received their information "through the non-objective, imbalanced filter of the echoes in the western media."

According to Reuters, the Belgium House of Deputies called the Pope’s comments "unacceptable" and instructed their government to "react strongly against any state or organization that in the future brings into doubt the benefit of using condoms to prevent transmission of the AIDS virus."

The measure approved with a strong majority, 95-18, and asks the government to "condemn the Pope’s unacceptable position statement and to lodge a formal protest at the Holy See." Premier Herman Van Rompuy said he will support the motion saying, "it is not the Pope’s job to shed doubts on public health policies which are unanimously supported and save lives ever day."

Father Lombardi, expressed "amazement" at the resolution, reported the Italian news service, SIR.

He questioned how a democratic country could limit the "freedom of the Holy Father and the Catholic Church to express their own positions" which are "clearly relevant to the view of the human person."

As Belgium reacted to the Pope’s comments, Lombardi pointed to "the great tradition" of the Catholic Church in "education and health-care, especially in the poorer countries" that needs no "evidence or comments."

Comments: 20

Subscriber comments:

Published by: Bruce
Milwaukee, WI USA 04/11/2009 09:22 AM EST

I think that madness needs to be redefined. It is EVIL. And, until humans understand that sex contrary to the teachings of scripture will result in EVIL, good resluts will not be gained. Our battle is with EVIL. Teaching people how to do things correctly is the proper approach. Contraception is not freely given permission to have sexual relations, no matter whether those relations are hetero- or homo-. Facts are facts. Once permission is given to engage sexually without fear of the result, anything can and does happen. Let us pray for the continued strength of the Pope's message.

Published by: Mrs. Rene O'Riordan
Dublin 16 04/08/2009 03:23 AM EST

A sign of madness is to keep repeating the same actions and expecting a different result each time. They keep throwing condoms at the problem and expect that, even though such a policy didn't work before it will work now. And also the rage expressed at the Voice of Reason is another sign to me of pure unadulterated madness. Did you ever try to convince an alcoholic they had a problem - it's like taking your life in your hands, the response is that angry!!! I just think they'r all mad as hell. This battle is a spiritual one - keep on trucking lads - Jesus wins. Blessings - Rene

Published by: Marisa
Nicaragua 04/07/2009 10:20 AM EST

I would invite people to consciously reflect before writing. It is clearly noticeable that those who write against the Pope ignore the recently published data about the spreading of HIV in spite of condoms. They insist in defending their own opinions disregarding the importance and dignity of human life. Their answers seem tinted even with hatred. Please think about this.

Published by: James & Anne Maher
Ireland 04/07/2009 09:57 AM EST

We are in complete agreement with the Pope's position, and with Fr Lombardi's defence of that position.

If people took the time to analyse the Pope's position we think they would see its merits and logic.

However, it just shows how far the liberal, secular, relativistic agenda has "infiltrated" the minds of people that, it seems to us, they will automatically attack anything Catholic without any objective analysis.

After all, isn't the Catholic Church the last acceptable prejudice?

Published by: Marie
Powell River 04/07/2009 01:34 AM EST

Condoms do not work in the North Pole , South Pole, or anywhere else to prevent the spread of the Aids Virus.Care to guess, why? The Aids Virus is so minute,there is no Condom manufactured that can prevent the Virus from penetrating it.Ever hear of communication,monogamy, loving your spouse more than yourself?
Sound familiar?

Published by: Brian
Ottawa, ON. Canada 04/06/2009 08:57 PM EST

Poor Denmark!
Run by incompetent government members who blindly follow their leaders wish!
If, they read all of the Pope's statement, perhaps they would have had a reversal of the voting numbers.
Let us hope that they will read the document and then vote again on the resolution!

Published by: Juris
Latvia 04/06/2009 02:08 PM EST

Well done, Belgium! Finally some one stands against the hypocrisy of the Catholic church on this issue, congratulations to Belgium and hope more to follow!

Published by: Linda
Brantford, ON, Canada 04/06/2009 02:06 PM EST

Lombardi also questioned whether Belgium lawmakers had considered the "Pope’s arguments" and scientific research, or whether they received their information "through the non-objective, imbalanced filter of the echoes in the western media." Touche, Father.

Bernadette and Robin, like most of the media (and apparently, the Belgium gov't), you need to do your research. The Holy Father was not condeming anyone to death, but promoting an attitude that supports LIFE. Suggesting that using condoms prevents AIDS (when we all know there is a failure rate for preventing pregnancy)is irresponsible on the part of Westerners. Changing attitudes and behaviors so that people are encouraged to act selfLESSly instead of selfISHly will have a sustainable affect on the epidemic. Why is it so many of us in the northern hemisphere seem to assume Africans and others in the global south are incapable of selfless behavior? Do we think we are the only ones with moral courage??

Published by: Bill Donahue
Danville, IL 04/05/2009 09:38 PM EST

A scientist has also validated the Pope's comments. He has written a book. I do not say he would agree in total, but thekey is this: controling behavoir is more effective than encouraging people to engage in risky behavoir by falsely telling them they will be protected by condums. It is more complex than these brief sentences, but there is more to the story than some would have us believe. The author is Dr. Edward Green. It has been reported on this web site. A shame that diplomats do not keep current. See: "Senior Harvard Research Scientist for AIDS Prevention, Dr. Edward Green, who is the author of five books, including “Rethinking AIDS Prevention: Learning from Successes in Developing Countries” discussed his support for Pope Benedict XVI’s comments with CNA." The quote is from the CNA website.

Published by: JP
Syracuse, NY, USA 04/04/2009 02:40 PM EST

The Pope was spot on in his remarks. Anyone who has done two minutes of research on the HIV virus and the efficacy of condoms to stop infection with HIV understands that, molecularly speaking, using a condom to avoid such infection is like using a volleyball net to stop a pea from getting through. The undue and disproven reliance on condoms and "safe sex" promotes a false sense of security and "safety" that is unwarranted and dangerous. Fr. Lombardi's question is a valid one. I doubt they will answer it, however.

Published by: Bernadette
USA 04/04/2009 10:39 AM EST

Rate: Bad

I think that the pope's comments are criminal! The catholic church will have millions of death on their conscience, which is the same as the holocaust if not more!

Published by: Brendan Bradley
Ireland 04/04/2009 06:41 AM EST

The pope is spot on. Plainly, throwing more and more condoms at the aids problem is like trying to douse a fire by throwing petrol on it.Why, in African countries where there is no shortage of condoms, is there no change and the problem even gets worse? Look at what the Ugandan and Kenyan models have achieved through changing behaviour - the rates of HIV dropped dramatically, until that is the UN insisted in flooding the place with condoms and the rate went up again. The only way out of the HIV cycle is abstinence and monogamy. Too difficult? Nonsense! Married couples have to practice abstinence, for instance when one partner is ill.Someone with serious diabetes has to abstain from certain foods that will kill them. So too with alcoholics and drink. For sure it is hard, but it can and must be done. Look to the African people themselves and ask them what they want. I'd guess they don't want more boxes of condoms!

Brendan

Published by: kris
brussels 04/04/2009 03:14 AM EST

well linda, it's so typical for catholics to see christian morality as superior to any.
the world should be happy that science allowed to open people's eyes to what e.g. the catholic church was hiding from the truth
i think if there has been someone like jesus one day, it is imaginable he rather said "yes!please wear condoms to prevent AIDS", dan - just think a bit further than the narrow minded catholic speech
and e.d. : do you really believe that only the advice for abstinance and marital fidelity would prevent the spreading of aids ? science never excluded this advice going together with the use of condoms - the pope in stead is banning condom use and relying only on moral prevention. be sure the pope is having innocent victims on his conscience this way
and yes the majority of the belgian population and even say the european and worldwide population is shocked by the pope's speech - i wish the pope sense for reality

Published by: Mark
Kansas City, KS USA 04/04/2009 02:37 AM EST

Robin did you not see the Article of Dr. Edward a Harvard PRofessor. The increase of AIDs in Africa worsen because of the promotion of condoms. The issue of AIDS has to look at a local level. What works in Europe and America doesn't work in Africa.

Also I work with people with AIDS in UGanda. YOu can't shower AFrica with condoms. They need food and medicine. Western Countries only worsen the problem with more condoms without sending them food or medicine. You can't eat condoms nor use it for medicine. Westerners are clueless on the issue of AIDS in Africa.

Published by: H.J.D'Cruz
Karachi 04/04/2009 01:52 AM EST

The Pope is absolutely right in his opinion. Again he has only given an opinion after study on the subject.The Pope as a spiritual leader only proposes but does not impose.
The comments and protest by the Belgium Parliment just goes to show that freedom of speech and expressiion on a general subject is now termed as inappropriate or unacceptable. Is there no freedom of speech or expression in the west anymore or is it just attack on the pope and the Vatican.Where is the democracy and human rights gone.

Published by: robin
Phoenix, Arizona, USA 04/03/2009 08:47 PM EST

Rate: Bad

Just as governments protested the former South African leaders statements rejecting proven AIDS medications, people of conscience protest the Pope's reckless statements regarding condoms. Perhaps the Pope should just say, "We would rather see you die than protect yourself." The obssession with birth control and condoms is not "objective." With regard to Africa, the Pope's comments are being denounced by competant medical authorities. (there are a few doctors who will put their religious and political views ahead of science and support the Pope) Objectively, more people will be saved through use of condoms than another anti-sex crusade.

Published by: Ingrid Hansen
Detroit MI USA 04/03/2009 08:42 PM EST

Rate: Good

Dan Archuleta, thank you for your comment! It is incredible how sin and wanting to have your own way blinds to reality and facts.

Published by: E.D.
U.S.A. 04/03/2009 06:50 PM EST

Rate: Excellent

The Pope is correct. Condoms do not prevent AIDS as effectively as abstinence or marital fidelity. The fact that anyone is challenging that reality shows what a morally degenerate world we live in.

Published by: dan Archuleta
salt lake city, Utah,USA 04/03/2009 02:22 PM EST

Would Jesus say "yes! Please wear condoms to prevent AIDS" OR would he say "Repent and sin no more"?

Published by: linda
England 04/03/2009 02:00 PM EST

The Church must stand her ground. These secularists are filled with a demonic hatred for her when she doesn't agree with them.

They have real no concern with the welfare of the African people. If they had they would agree with the Pope. The spread of AIDS will only be prevented when people start to practise Christian morality.

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