FROM CNN's Jack Cafferty:
It's time for the Catholic Church to enter the 21st century; or at least try to drag itself out of the 13th. On his first trip to Africa, Pope Benedict XVI said condoms are not a solution to the AIDS epidemic; rather, they make it worse.
Pope Benedict XVI believes condoms hinder the AIDS crisis.
In his first public comments on condom use, the pope told reporters that AIDS "is a tragedy that cannot be overcome by money alone, and that cannot be overcome through the distribution of condoms, which even aggravates the problems." Huh?
Since becoming pope four years ago, Benedict has stressed that the church is on the front lines of the battle against AIDS; with the Vatican encouraging sexual abstinence as the way to stop the disease from spreading.
Obviously that message hasn't delivered the desired results in Africa where parts of the continent have been ravaged by AIDS. Not to mention right here in our nation's capital: a new report shows three percent of Washington D.C.'s residents have HIV or AIDS. That translates to almost 3,000 people for every 100,000 population. That figure represents a "severe epidemic." One health official says Washington's rates are higher than parts of West Africa - and "on par with Uganda and some parts of Kenya."
Here’s my question to you: The pope says condoms aren't the solution to AIDS; they make it worse. Is he right?
Interested to know which ones made it on air?
Tim from Minnesota writes:
Talk about out of touch. Scary part is that there are countless millions of people who believe that his words are the words of God. So, in order to avoid HIV, we should not have sex, until, uh, when? After us and our partners get checked for HIV? Gimme a break!
Bill writes:
The pope should be reminded that if you don't play-a the game you shouldn't make-a the rules.
Lisa from Bethlehem, Pennsylvania writes:
Hi Jack. My husband and I are 28-year-old Catholics who voted for Obama. We both feel it is time for the Church, which we love and are devoted to, to be realistic about the current affairs of the world... As a teacher and a counselor, we both think that sex ed is important. While abstinence is definitely a key issue, and obviously the best way to avoid disease, it is just not the reality for many young people. Saying “condoms make it worse” is irresponsible.
Ann writes:
I don't take advice on dieting from overweight people, financial advice from someone who's broke, or STD prevention from someone who's celibate. The Pope is way out of his league on this one.
Mary from Goshen, New York writes:
Dear Jack, Although it isn't politically correct to side with morality these days, I have to agree with the Pope on this one. Even medical experts will tell you that abstinence is the best means of prevention when it comes to the AIDS epidemic. A person should get him/herself tested. If AIDS-free, practice abstinence. If he/she becomes involved in a sexual relationship (like maybe a marriage), have both people tested, and maintain a monogamous relationship. It may be old-fashioned, but it works! The Pope might have a little more wisdom than CNN is willing to admit.
Nelson from Somerdale, New Jersey writes:
The pope is on his way to becoming as relevant as a Republican.
J. writes:
Taking reproductive and STD advice from the pope is like taking economic advice from Bernie Madoff.