Pope Benedict XVI has for the first time said the use of condoms is acceptable in exceptional circumstances, according to a new book. The Vatican has long opposed condoms as an artificial form of contraception. The Catholic Church's stance has drawn heavy criticism, particularly from AIDS awareness campaigners, who say condoms are one of the few proven methods to stop the spread of HIV. The Vatican has moved to clarify remarks made by the pope on the use of condoms, insisting the pope has "not reformed or changed the [Roman Catholic] church's teaching." But the statement made clear Pope Benedict XVI was prepared to consider the use of condoms in certain, limited circumstances. The statement, and an interview with the pope reported in a book which will be published this week, suggested that Benedict accepts the notion that condoms reduce the risk of infection with HIV. The pope's spokesman, Father Federico Lombardi, said the pontiff considered an exceptional situation one where sexual activity represents a real risk to the lives of others. In such a case, the pope did not morally justify licentiousness, but believes the use of condoms to reduce the risk of infection is a "first step on the road to a more human sexuality, rather than not to use it and risking the lives of others." Many ordinary Catholics took the pope's remarks as a green light for "safe sex." His comments were also welcomed by AIDS awareness campaigners. A spokesperson for the UN joint program on HIV/AIDS called the comments "a significant and positive step forward," adding, "This move recognizes that responsible sexual behavior and the use of condoms have important roles in HIV prevention." Some church members in Southeast Asia's largest Roman Catholic nation, the Philippines, praised Pope Benedict XVI for saying that condom use might be justified in some cases, although Filipino bishops stressed that the church leader still opposes the use of contraceptives in general. Benedict's stunning remarks could re-ignite debate on contraceptive use in places such as the Philippines, where the issue has recently pitted the newly-elected president against the influential Catholic church.
