Pope won't be silenced on condoms stance: Vatican

The Vatican has denounced criticism of the Pope's remarks against the use of condoms, saying the Pontiff will not be intimidated into silence.

A Vatican spokesman says Pope Pope Benedict XVI will continue to sustain the positions of the Catholic Church with strength and courage.

Last month on a visit to Africa, the Pope said that condoms are not the answer to AIDS, and could even make the problem worse.

AIDS "is a tragedy that cannot be overcome by money alone, that cannot be overcome through the distribution of condoms, which even aggravates the problems," the pontiff said.

The solution lies in a "spiritual and human awakening" and "friendship for those who suffer," he said.

Southern Africa bears a disproportionate share of the global HIV burden, with 35 per cent of the world's new infections and 38 per cent of AIDS deaths in 2007.

Several countries, including France and Germany, have called the remarks irresponsible and dangerous.

Belgian parliament yesterday passed a resolution calling the comments unacceptable and demanded that the government officially protest.