Treatment GuideJust DiagnosedSex & DatingAfrican AmericanStigmaAsk the HIV DocPrEP En EspañolNewsVoicesPrint IssueVideoOut 100
CONTACTCAREER OPPORTUNITIESADVERTISE WITH USPRIVACY POLICYPRIVACY PREFERENCESTERMS OF USELEGAL NOTICE
© 2024 Pride Publishing Inc.
All Rights reserved
All Rights reserved
By continuing to use our site, you agree to our Private Policy and Terms of Use.
Coming from one of the most revered people on the planet, Pope Benedict XVI's words resound greatly with Catholics (and other Christians) around the world. When it comes to sexuality, Benedict and the popes before him have rarely offered progressive, sex-positive messages. Instead, they have urged followers to remain abstinent until marriage, and, once a heterosexual couple is married, to never use contraception, even in a world where HIV is present. However, in the recent book Light of the World: The Pope, the Church, and the Signs of the Times, Benedict XVI indicates some movement regarding the morality of condom use in preventing HIV transmission. Here is a look at the Vatican's mostly static stance on condoms. October 6, 1979: 'All human life, from the moments of conception and through all subsequent stages, is sacred.' 'Pope John Paul II, at the White House during a trip to the United States January 22, 2005: '[Pope John Paul II]'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 of the correct practice of sexuality, which presupposes chastity and fidelity.' 'Statement from the Vatican January 22, 2005: 'If someone is incapable of controlling their instincts'then they should do whatever is necessary in order not to infect others.' 'Felipe Arizmendi, bishop of San Cristobal de las Casas, at a news conference in Mexico City March 17, 2009: 'You can't resolve it with the distribution of condoms. On the contrary, it increases the problem.' 'Pope Benedict XVI, referring to the AIDS crisis in Africa Summer 2010: 'There may be a basis in the case of some individuals, as perhaps when a male prostitute uses a condom, where this can be a first step in the direction of a moralization, a first assumption of responsibility.' 'Pope Benedict XVI, in response to a question posed by Light of the World: The Pope, the Church, and the Signs of the Times author Peter Seewald. The book was released November 24. November 23, 2010: 'I personally asked the pope if there was a serious, important problem in the choice of the masculine over the feminine [in discussion of condom use]. He told me no. It's the first step of taking responsibility, of taking into consideration the risk of the life of another with whom you have a relationship.' This is if you're a woman, a man, or a transsexual.' ' Vatican spokesman Federico Lombardi, clarifying Pope Benedict's words in the book, portions of which were leaked to the press prior to its release
Want more breaking equality news & trending entertainment stories?
Check out our NEW 24/7 streaming service: the Advocate Channel!
Download the Advocate Channel App for your mobile phone and your favorite streaming device!
From our Sponsors
Most Popular
Before AIDS, gay artist Rex drew hot men on the prowl — then he disappeared
April 11 2024 3:15 PM
Diets that mimic fasting reverse aging: study
March 07 2024 5:28 PM
The Most Amazing HIV Allies & Advocates of 2023
November 03 2023 12:51 PM
PrEP without a prescription now a reality in California
February 06 2024 8:37 PM
This OnlyFans Star Is Trying to Raise $100K to Fight HIV
December 26 2023 3:05 PM
Injectable HIV treatment, prevention: Everything you need to know
March 26 2024 3:28 PM
The naked Black body takes center stage in this HIV campaign
January 03 2024 1:07 PM
8 dating tips for gay men from a gay therapist
March 21 2024 2:50 PM
Mr. Gay World wants to make sure you're OK
January 02 2024 4:56 PM
Plus: Featured Video
Latest Stories
The government failed on mpox. Ritchie Torres's new bill addresses that
April 18 2024 1:21 PM
On Anal Sex Day, crack up with The Bottom's Digest
April 18 2024 10:22 AM
Todrick Hall has long supported the communities he comes from
April 17 2024 12:02 PM
Our May/June issue of Plus is here!
April 17 2024 12:00 PM
Giselle Byrd is taking center stage — and helping others do the same
April 10 2024 2:24 PM
Discover endless fun at The Pride Store: Games & electronics for all ages
April 09 2024 4:25 PM
Mean Girls' Daniel Franzese on playing an HIV+ character
April 09 2024 3:57 PM
HIV-positive Air Force, Navy servicemembers victorious in lawsuit
April 09 2024 3:02 PM
Unlocking a new level of beauty with Dr Botanicals' ethical skincare line
April 08 2024 3:40 PM
Unleash your wild side with The Pride Store’s beginner’s guide to kink
April 08 2024 3:35 PM
Why are mpox cases in the U.S. on the rise again?
April 08 2024 1:30 PM
Happy national foreskin day!
April 04 2024 1:45 PM
Adult entertainment icons Derek Kage & Cody Silver lead fight for free speech
April 03 2024 3:06 PM
LGBTQ+ patients twice as likely to face discrimination: survey
April 02 2024 4:57 PM
Spring into The Pride Store’s top new arrivals for April
April 02 2024 4:39 PM
Nashville PD Must Pay HIV-Positive Man Denied a Job
April 01 2024 6:22 PM
Common has a message on how to foster self-love
March 29 2024 7:33 PM
Listen to Dr. Levine: Take syphilis seriously
March 28 2024 6:40 PM
Breaking boundaries in gender-free fashion with Stuzo Clothing
March 27 2024 2:15 PM