Media, European governments profess outrage at Pope’s comments on condoms
March 19, 2009
The governments of France, Germany, and Belgium joined media outlets in expressing outrage at comments made by Pope Benedict in his flight en route to Cameroon. Spain pledged to send one million condoms to Africa. “France voices extremely sharp concern over the consequences of Benedict XVI’s comments,” which pose “a threat to public health policies and the duty to protect human life,” according to a foreign ministry statement. “Condoms save lives, both in Europe and on other continents,” said German Development Minister Heidemarie Wieczorek-Zeul and Health Minister Ulla Schmidt in a joint statement. “Modern development cooperation must give the poorest access to means of family planning. And that includes in particular the use of condoms. Everything else would be irresponsible.” Pope Benedict’s comments manifested “a dangerous doctrinaire vision,” said Belgian health minister Laurette Onkelinx.
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Further information:
- France, Germany Slam Pope’s Stance That Condoms Harm Aids Fight (Bloomberg)
- Pope criticised for 'dangerous' comments on condoms (Irish Times)
- Spain to send one million condoms to Africa to fight AIDS (AFP)
- Editorial: Condom sense (Washington Post)
- Editorial: A matter of science (Irish Independent)
- Editorial: AIDS, Africa & the Pope (Halifax Chronicle Herald)
- Peter Popham: A Pope who seems fallible (The Independent)
- George Curry: Beyond the Spin: Candid talk about condoms (Philadelphia Inquirer)
- Rhonda Swan: Condoms: Pope Way Off Base (Palm Beach Post)
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