Here's the headline at the Times Online:
Pope says condoms are not the solution to Aids - they make it worse
Given the AIDS pandemic, this is just unconscionable.
The Times goes on to say:
In his first public comments on condom use, the pontiff told reporters en route to Cameroon that Aids "is a tragedy that cannot be overcome by money alone, and that cannot be overcome through the distribution of condoms, which even aggravates the problems".OK, I'll come clean. I never thought much of Ratso before he became pope. I think less of him now. In order to preserve an oppressive, body-hating theology tight in the grip of a bunch of unmarried old men he is willing to encourage countless deaths lest they have to backpedal on some putative morality.
Pope Benedict has previously stressed that the Roman Catholic Church is in the forefront of the battle against Aids. The Vatican encourages sexual abstinence to fight the spread of the disease.
I say bollocks.
Ratzinger was and is a douchebag of the first order, busy trying to haul the Italian Church back into the late middle ages, re-consolidating power that had inched toward collegiality back in Vatican II.
I am very fond of my Catholic sisters and brothers and a great deal of what the Roman Catholic Church is and has been, but I have no respect and no use for the current pope. This latest homocidal nonsense is one more reason why.
Yeah, I know, you're wondering how I really feel about this.
h/t to John Aravosis at Americablog and to MP at OCICBW for the Times link
--the BB
4 comments:
Really Paul, do tell us!
He is not an unintelligent man, what must be going on in that mind of his. Does he honestly believe what he is saying? I have a great deal of respect for many of the Catholic clergy I have had the privilege of meeting, what must they think. This is just unbelievable.
My theology professor this semester (an RC priest, a progressive one) speaks about how culture impacts religion.
Pope B16 lives in and has spent his entire adult life (he is in 80's) in and around seminaries, the curia, and so forth. If you were surrounded by a bunch of other men like that you too might think otherwise.
WHICH (sorry to shout) IS NO DEFENSE OF WHAT HE SAYS!
Just had to get that out there.
Here is a really good post from a very progressive gay Catholic on this topic.
Lately every time B16 opens his mouth I want to run and hide.
Blessedly, much of the finest theology, social justice work, pastoral ministry, and spiritual formation comes from Catholic laity, religious, and clergy. The heritage and ministry is so much greater than the monarch.
When I step back from ranting about one person, this is really just a focal example of the death throes of the patriarchy, a long, difficult, painful process in the midst of which we live.
Paul, you speak for me, my brother.
I consider Benedict and those who spout this crap guilty of manslaughter, at the very least.
Doxy
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