Pope encourages efforts against AIDS

November 28, 2012

Pope Benedict XVI offered his support to the fight against AIDS, and his special encouragement to Church missions in the field, as he looked forward to the observance of World AIDS Day on December 1.

At his regular weekly audience on November 28 the Pontiff called attention to the UN’s observance of World AIDS Day, and reminded his audience of the “millions of death and tragic human suffering” caused by the disease. He remarked that AIDS “particularly very limited access to effective medicines.” And he made a special note that many children contract the deadly virus from their mothers, although there are treatments available to prevent that transmission.

Pope Benedict concluded his statement by expressing his support for Catholic agencies working with AIDS victims, and “the many initiatives that, within the scope of the ecclesial mission, have been taken in order to eradicate this scourge.”

 

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Further information:

• Pope: appeal for help in fight against HIV/AIDS (Vatican Radio)
• Appeal for World AIDS Day 2012 (VIS)