Holistic Wisdom Corporation

Pope Advocates Education To Prevent Aids

Pope John Paul II has said that education, chastity and sexual fidelity are the responsible methods to combat AIDS after Spanish bishops supported condom use to fight the disease but then quickly reversed their position.

The Vatican has come under fire from AIDS activists because it forbids use of condoms, even to prevent transmission of the HIV virus. "The Holy See ... considers that it is necessary above all to combat this disease in a responsible way by increasing prevention, notably through education about respect of the sacred value of life and formation about the correct practice of sexuality, which presupposes chastity and fidelity,'' John Paul said.

The pope's comments came days after Spanish bishops made front-page headlines by announcing an apparent change in policy toward condom use. The pope told members of a Vatican council on health care issues that they should pay special attention to AIDS victims.