En route to Cameroon, where he began his tour of Africa, Pope Benedict XVI finally weighed in on the issue of condom use to prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS. The verdict from the holiest guy around: they’re no good.
Whether or not condoms are an adequate measure against the spread of STDs is undisputed in the medical community. When used properly, condoms prevent the transfer of diseases more than 90% of the time. The only method of contraception more effective is the mindf**k, depicted in 1993’s blockbuster hit and landmark contraception-advocating film Demolition Man
The Catholic church’s stance on condom use had not been explicitly stated since Benedict replaced his predecessor John Paul II. The issue has been disputed within the global community of clergy, with many priests and nuns who work directly with AIDS patients advocating condom use, and a large number working for God in the first world with the opposing opinion that abstinence is not only the best measure against AIDS, but that people are actually willing to abstain from bumping uglies with multiple partners willy nilly.
The continent of Africa is home to two thirds of all people living with HIV/AIDS and buries a third of all AIDS victims each year. That combined with wretched political activity at the hands of dictators, tribal warfare, and the effects of limited natural resources make it largely an undesirable place to live. Fortunately, the morality ingrained in religion can benefit and potentially save those who deal with these troubles on a daily basis by destressing with sex - as they can now use prayer for the same benefits.
Buddy Up