On The News

What the Pope really said about condom use

By Phil Lawler (bio - articles - send a comment) | November 20, 2010 5:52 PM

There are dozens of misleading stories abroad already, about a statement Pope Benedict made in a lengthy interview. Unfortunately, there will be many more misleading comments, based on these inaccurate first reports. 

Did the Pope really say that condom use is sometimes justified? No; that's not what he said.

The book-length interview in which the Pope made these comments will be available next week, and you can read the full statement in the proper context. Until then, here is a simple and lucid explanation by Janet Smith for Catholic World Report

Also helpful is this piece by Jimmy Akin for the National Catholic Register

An appeal from our founder, Dr. Jeffrey Mirus:

Dear reader: If you found the information on this page helpful in your pursuit of a better Catholic life, please support our work with a donation. Your donation will help us reach five million Truth-seeking readers worldwide this year. Thank you!

Progress toward our June expenses ($15,085 to go):
$30,000.00 $14,914.93
50% 50%
Sound Off! CatholicCulture.org supporters weigh in.

All comments are moderated. To lighten our editing burden, only current donors are allowed to Sound Off. If you are a donor, log in to see the comment form; otherwise please support our work, and Sound Off!

Show 3 Comments? (Hidden)Hide Comments
  • Posted by: Wolf of Gubbio - Nov. 23, 2010 9:35 PM ET USA

    Justin8110: I'm not sure why you'd leave the Catholic Church to enter the Orthodox - they are pretty lax about condoms as far as I can see!

  • Posted by: www.petersboat.net - Nov. 21, 2010 10:06 AM ET USA

    The Saints teach us there are indeed times to pray that Peter be reminded of the greatness of his Office, but this is not one of those times. Our Holy Father knows exactly what he is doing. And while this sentiment was sung about a man who sadly took his own life, I would still whisper it to Our Holy Father in love: "This world was never meant for one as beautiful as you", to which he would reply, "Oh but it was." I would rather die with the Holy Father than live on earth without him.

  • Posted by: Justin8110 - Nov. 20, 2010 6:42 PM ET USA

    I read the article linked here and unfortunately, like so much else that has come out of the Church since Vatican II, the Pope's comments are vague at best and seem to either support the 2000 year tradition of condemning contraception or say in a "nuanced" way that the Church is timidly giving assent to condom use. I'm literally contemplating entering the Orthodox Church I've had it with the Catholic Church these days. Nothing is clear anymore. Clarity ended with Trent and Vatican I.

Think with the Catholic Leaders: Subscribe to Catholic Culture Insights Newsletter
Donate to Support this Site: Your contribution will be put to good work.
Tour the CatholicCulture.org Site
Shop Amazon to Raise Money for Catholic Culture

Recent Catholic Commentary

Pope Francis the Frank 12 hours ago
“Illegals” are not “Immorals”: A Persistent Immigration Fallacy 14 hours ago
News coverage of the Vatican: the blind leading the blind 19 hours ago
Those Harleys again June 17
Happy Father's Day! June 14

Top Catholic News

Most Important Stories of the Last 30 Days
Vatican document demands governments protect refugees CWN - June 6
Pope acknowledges 'gay lobby' influence in Vatican CWN - June 11
Pope confirms he is completing encyclical on faith begun by Benedict XVI CWN - June 13