There is a large body of scientific evidence that demonstrates that condom use in fact lowers the risk of contracting H.I.V. infection and does not lead to increased sexual activity. In using his considerable influence as leader of the Catholic Church to make irresponsible pronouncements, the pope is placing lives at risk.

There are no African countries that have successfully combated the spread of AIDS using abstinence as the primary policy tool. The pope's views are driven more by traditionalist Catholic dogma and hidebound morality than any pragmatic consideration with respect to prevention.

The problem isn't his promotion of abstinence per se, but rather his misinformed views and opposition to condom use. In the fight against AIDS every resource needs to be made available to those at risk. The message he is sending is dangerous, especially given the great esteem which many African Christians accord him as head of the Church.

French Foreign Ministry spokesman, Eric Chevallier, criticized the pope's remarks: "We consider that these statements endanger public health policies and the imperative to protect human life... Along with information, education and testing, the condom is a fundamental element of actions to prevent transmission of the AIDS virus."

Apparently the pope is also concerned about the challenge to Catholicism in Africa from what he describes as "superstitious forms of religion." An ironical statement, coming as it does from a pope who appears to be more than happy to revive, or turn a blind eye to, every Catholic superstition in the book if it helps to further his reactionary agenda.