.- Pope Benedict XVI issued a call today at the end of his general audience exhorting everyone to increase their efforts to combat the spread of AIDS.
Speaking to a crowd of 8,000 people in Paul VI Hall, the Holy Father said that “everything possible” must be done to halt the spread of AIDS. He explained that he was making this statement as World AIDS Day approaches on December 1.
The pontiff also expressed his solidarity with the disease’s victims saying, “I remain spiritually close to everyone suffering from this terrible sickness, and to their families, especially those who have lost a loved one. To everyone I give assurances of my prayers.”
Calling for an increase in efforts by “all people of good will” to fight HIV, Pope Benedict also said that “the disdain which is often directed towards people who are affected by it” must be combated. Care for the sick, especially those who are still children must be a priority as well.
