I do give the Pope a lot of credit for his bold step to endorse the use of condoms to fight the spread of sexually transmitted diseases, specifically HIV/Aids. This 'seismic shift', as local newspapers call the Pope's stand that “condoms are the lesser of two evils”, is monumental.
In my opinion, promoting the use of condoms acknowledges that modern day diseases have a tremendous impact on our lives, societies, economies and even religions. An impact which we cannot neglect but need to address.
When talking about HIV/Aids fingers quickly point to “sub-Saharan Africa” where the virus is spreading at the speed of light, killing people, paralyzing economies and whole countries. But, HIV/Aids is not an African disease! It’s not the problem “of the others”. Asia with its prospering sex-tourism and human trafficking is just a step away (if not there yet, looking at Cambodia and Thailand for example) from following down Africa’s path.
A total of 5,729 HIV/Aids incidents have been listed in the Philippines ever since the virus was detected here in 1984. Last year, 835 new cases of HIV/Aids have been reported in the Philippines. In 2010, the number rose to 1,305 new infections from January to October alone. The trend is going up. Quickly!
One individual out of this anonymous statistic is a friend of mine. If he could turn back time, I wonder if he'd choose death again. What would be more 'pro-life' than empowering people to protect themselves from contracting the deadly HI-Virus?
I very much welcome this 'seismic shift' within the Catholic Church!
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