Pope Benedict once again put ideology and dogma over human life in his first day in Africa where 25 million people have died from AIDS by pronouncing:

It (AIDS) cannot be overcome by the distribution of condoms. On the contrary, they increase the problem,” he said in response to a question about the Church’s widely contested position against the use of condoms.

This goes against every serious effort against AIDS worldwide.  It makes one wonder if even he really believes it.  From what I have heard, Catholic workers in Africa distribute condoms and even a Cardinal in the Vatican supports condoms use. In 2005 Cardinal Cottier said: 

“…the use of condoms in some situations can be considered morally legitimate”.

“The virus is transmitted during a sexual act; so at the same time as [bringing] life there is also a risk of transmitting death,” he said. “And that is where the commandment ‘thou shalt not kill’ is valid.”

Only someone floating above the real horror of AIDS would be able to make such a counter productive remark as Pope Benedict did today.  If even one person decides not to wear a condom when having sex because they heard the Pope make this statement and contracts HIV – it will be too many.  Too many people have died and will die because of this kind of irresponsible rhetoric. 

UPDATE:

While still holding firm on his earlier comments about condoms, Pope Benedict made this important recognition of the needs of the poor

“In the context of globalization with which we are all familiar, the church takes a particular interest in those who are most deprived,” he said. “The bishop’s mission leads him to be the defender of the rights of the poor.”

Seems important to comment on what I agree with as well as what I do not.