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Catholic World News News Feature

AIDS is focus of papal message for World Day of the Sick September 29, 2004

In his message for the 13th annual World Day for the Sick, Pope John Paul II focuses on the struggle against AIDS, particularly in Africa.

The World Day for the Sick will be observed on February 11, 2005. The theme for the observance is "Christ, hope for Africa." The Pope's message for that occasion was released by the Vatican on September 29.

In his message, the Holy Father notes that widespread warfare across Africa has complicated the problem of fighting the AIDS epidemic. So he argued that an end to the bloodshed is a prerequisite for an effective approach to the epidemic. He added: "Those who perpetuate the wars in Africa through arms trafficking are accomplices to hateful crimes against humanity."

To combat AIDS, the Pope said, "prevent must be increased through education on life issues and the proper view of sexuality." He added that effective prevent must rely on "responsible behavior and the observance of the virtue of chastity."

The Pope's teaching on AIDS has been consistent since the first public recognition of the disease. On a pastoral visit to Uganda in 1993, he said that "self-control and chastity are the only sure ways to end the tragedy of AIDS."