Scottish Catholic Observer

The Vatican said today that there is nothing ‘revolutionary’ in Pope Benedict XVI’s comments on contraception in a new book.

Extracts from German journalist Peter Seewald’s  book Light of the World: The Pope, the Church and the Signs of the Times were published in today’s  L’Osservatore Romano quoting the Holy Father as saying condoms can be a step in moralisation.

“There may be justified cases, for example when a prostitute uses a condom, where this can be a first bit of responsibility,” he is quoted as saying.

A fuller examination of the Pope’s statement however reveals he is stating that humanised sexuality, not condoms, is the right response to HIV and AIDS.

Condoms are ‘not the proper way to deal with the horror of the HIV infection,’ he said.

Vatican spokesman Fr Federico Lombardi (above right) issued a statement today stressing that the Holy Father’s comment neither ‘reforms or changes’ Catholic teaching, which forbids use of condoms and other contraceptives.

“The reasoning of the Pope cannot certainly be defined as a revolutionary turn,” he said.

A spokesman for the Catholic Church in Scotland added: “The Pope is not saying that the use of condoms is moral or virtuous. Nor is he saying that their use can be justified on pragmatic grounds as a policy of AIDS prevention.

“The Pope suggests that in exceptional circumstances use of a condom could be a ‘first step’ in someone recognising their moral responsibility, but it is not the last step. The only responsible moral response is to find a different way of living altogether.”

Caritas Internationalis Secretary General, Lesley-Anne Knight, said: “The Pope’s reported comments in this book illustrate the importance of compassion and sensitivity in dealing with the complexities of HIV/AIDS.”

The confederation of 165 national Catholic aid agencies provides HIV programming in more than 100 countries

Peter Seewald’s book, based on interviews with the Holy Father, will be published on Tuesday.