by Ellen Kirkness ‘12

In an interview published last week, Pope Benedict XVI recognized the sense in male prostitutes using condoms. This turned many heads because it seemed he was defying all teachings of the Catholic religion regarding sex and contraception. Under Catholic doctine, one is instructed to remain chaste outside of marriage and use no method of birth control within marriage. Yet the Pope has recognized that some individuals who have sex outside of marriage would be wise to use condoms. I commend the Pope for stepping out of the blind compliance to tradition and recognizing the necessity for modern contraception. This realization will reduce the spread of HIV/AIDS in this world. As of 2009, it was estimated that 33.3 million people lived with HIV/AIDS. The Pope did a brave thing and his practicality should be celebrated.