Based on excerpts from the Pope's new book that is being released on Tuesday, the use of condoms is sometimes acceptable. Although some conservatives are already trying to state that this does not contradict previous papal thought, it most definitely does. Based on English-language excerpts released by the AP, the Pope states that there are exceptions to the Catholic contraceptive ban. He's gives the example of a male prostitute wearing a condom as a step towards being more responsible in transmitting AIDS. I must admit that I find it odd that he used the example of homosexual sex, since this kind of sex does not allow for the possibility of the condom preventing a pregnancy. Nevertheless, from the rest of excerpts, it seems that he also allow for a married couple to use a condom if one of the partners was infected with AIDS.
In another instance, he states that "the basic lines of `Humanae vitae' are still correct." This clearly implies that certain lines of it are wrong. Basically, the pope is still against condoms, but understands that in certain instances there may be exceptions. This means that for the pope: CONDOMS ARE NO LONGER INTRINSICALLY EVIL. Of course, something being intrinsically evil means that an action is always wrong, no matter the circumstances. That is a major shift in thought that has been way too long in coming. I think that this action also justifies the viewpoint that I have shared on this blog in the past: Benedict is much more open-minded and willing to listen to opinions that he does not share than John Paul II. I feel that I am still living a Catholic Wintertime in Milwaukee, but the clouds broke slightly today and let in a glorious ray of light.
A Faithful Catholic
