Crucified over Pope condom criticism but experts back up comments

Apr 5 2009 by Ken Oxley, Sunday Sun

JUDGING by some of the mail I’ve received over the last couple of weeks, I won’t be winning any popularity contests among devout Catholics.

And all because I dared to criticise the Pope for his stance on condom usage in Africa.

Pope Benedict argued that far from halting the spread of AIDS, encouraging people to use condoms was making the situation worse.

I wasn’t alone in thinking this was a somewhat bizarre claim. In fact, a whole bunch of experts, including leading scientists, health workers and politicians thought so, too.

Respected medical journal The Lancet also published a damning editorial, accusing the pontiff of distorting scientific evidence to promote Catholic doctrine.

Major politicians in several countries also reacted angrily. One of the strongest criticisms came from France’s health minister, Roselyne Bachelot, who said Pope Benedict had “proffered a monstrous scientific untruth” and was doing a disservice to African women, who already have “trouble making the condom, that can protect them, acceptable”.

Rebecca Hodes, head of policy, communication and research for the Treatment Action Campaign in South Africa, said the Pope’s opposition to condoms “conveys that religious dogma is more important to him than the lives of Africans”. And last week, celebrated author and renowned atheist Professor Richard Dawkins threw in his three-penneth worth, claiming the Pope will have “the blood of millions” on his hands if his words are taken seriously.

But we’re all wrong, apparently.