Wednesday, July 4, 2012

Vatican downplays shift on condoms

Vatican downplays shift on condoms

The Catholic Church has long opposed the use of condoms as a form of contraception.

The Catholic Church has long opposed the use of condoms as a form of contraception. (ABC TV: File photo)

The Vatican has played down the importance of remarks by Pope Benedict that appear to temper the opposition of the Roman Catholic Church to the use of condoms.

The Pope has been quoted as saying the use of condoms could be justified in some exceptional circumstances, citing the example of a male prostitute trying to prevent the spread of AIDS.

Vatican spokesman Federico Lombardi says the pontiff's words do not mark a revolution in Catholic teaching, adding that he was referring to condom use in an informal way rather than as a teacher of Church doctrine.

AIDS activists have cautiously welcomed the Pope's comments that the use of condoms may be acceptable to stop the spread of HIV.

Meanwhile, the Pope is holding a rare meeting with more than 100 cardinals from around the world to discuss the clerical sex abuse scandal.

Father Lombardi says no major developments are expected from the talks.

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