Vatican urged to act quickly on condoms

Vatican urged to act quickly on condoms

The World Health Organisation's head of HIV/Aids called on the Vatican yesterday to speed up a decision on the limited use of condoms in pandemic-hit countries.

Kevin De Cock welcomed the news that condoms could be sanctioned for married Catholic couples where one partner has HIV. "We're very pleased to hear this," he said. "But our concern is that these deep theological decisions take account of the biological consequences of infection. Could we please have this debate in a hurry. Lives are at risk and time is short."

Dr De Cock has met Cardinal Javier Lozano Barragán, who heads the papal department responsible for health issues. Cardinal Barragán has compiled a report on opinion within the church, which has been sent to the Pope and the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, the Vatican's theology ministry. Both must approve any change. The review is thought to urge that condoms be permitted for married couples with one partner infected, in countries where Aids is rife.

Dr De Cock said the proposed change had to be seen in context. "It is not going to address everyone's concerns, but the fact they are doing this is very significant."

Faith-based organisations play a huge role in forming opinion and fighting the pandemic. In Africa, they deliver 40%-50% of care. "I think the involvement of the faith-based community in Aids is extremely important," he said. "As with any other group that has its own special beliefs and ideas and philosophies, we have to accept that that is so and remember that there is far more that unites us than divides us in the struggle against Aids."

SOURCE
Sarah Boseley, health editor, The Guardian
Friday November 24, 2006