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The Condom: A Distraction from Justice
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On his plane trip to Africa, responding to a reporter’s question about the Catholic Church’s response to the spread of AIDS in the continent, Pope Benedict made reference to condom distribution as worsening the problem. The Pope’s reference to condoms quickly spread through the media, with criticism from many quarters of the globe including governments and medical journals soon following. Debate over the veracity of the Pope’s comments ensued. Even scientists chimed in with their opinions. Researcher Edward Green came out supporting the Pope’s position, while atheist biologist Richard Dawkins called Benedict “stupid, ignorant or dim.”
I see the Pope's answer as one about the Church's social response to the crisis and not one specifically about condoms. In response to the question, he stated:
I think that the most efficient, most truly present player in the fight against AIDS is the Catholic Church herself, with her movements and her various organizations. I think of the Sant’Egidio community that does so much, visibly and also behind the scenes, in the struggle against AIDS; I think of the Camillians, and so much more besides, I think of all the Sisters who take care of the sick. I would say that this problem of AIDS cannot be overcome merely with money, necessary though it is. If there is no human dimension, if Africans do not help [by responsible behaviour], the problem cannot be overcome by the distribution of prophylactics: on the contrary, they increase it. The solution must have two elements: firstly, bringing out the human dimension of sexuality, that is to say a spiritual and human renewal that would bring with it a new way of behaving towards others, and secondly, true friendship offered above all to those who are suffering, a willingness to make sacrifices and to practice self-denial, to be alongside the suffering. And so these are the factors that help and that lead to real progress: our twofold effort to renew humanity inwardly, to give spiritual and human strength for proper conduct towards our bodies and those of others, and this capacity to suffer with those who are suffering, to remain present in situations of trial. It seems to me that this is the proper response, and the Church does this, thereby offering an enormous and important contribution. We thank all who do so. (Interview on Flight to Africa, Tuesday, 17, March 2009)
What Benedict stated was that no one method, in particularly condom use will be effective. To think that condoms alone will do the job, and thus not confront the general cause of AIDS (human behavior), is not effective and can even worsen the situation. Note that the other ideas presented by him deal with changing human behaviour especially as they pertain to the African culture. In particular, the greater need for a humanizing sexuality, Africans helping each other and true friendships (a core consept in the social structure of African communities).The bulk of his response was not about condom efficiency, rather it was aimed toward human social structures. What Benedict stated was that no one method, in particular condom use, would be effective in preventing the spread of AIDS in the continent. To believe that the solution lies in merely making condoms more available is to have a naïve perspective on what is happening in the continent. To believe that merely distributing condoms without addressing the core causes of the spread, is analogous to administrating aspirin to a person with fever without treating the illness that causes her to have a fever. Without a proper, holistic and realistic perspective, it may be the case that the administering of aspirin may risk worsening the person.
Benedict’s response to the question goes beyond solely addressing the issue of AIDS, and it was definitely not about the technical efficiency or lack of efficiency of condoms. His response to the question was not a medical one, but a pastoral one.
In addressing the question about AIDS, Pope Benedict proposed that visible progress to Africa's problems, including the spread of AIDS, could only occur when we focus on renewing the human social structures, ones which should be aimed toward generating genuine development. This core message was often reiterated directly to the people of Africa during his trip. This included calling for respect for women who are often the innocent victims of the spread of the illness:
“I call everyone to an effective awareness of the adverse conditions to which many women have been – and continue to be – subjected, paying particular attention to ways in which the behaviour and attitudes of men, who at times show a lack of sensitivity and responsibility, may be to blame. This forms no part of God’s plan.” (Meeting With Catholic Movements for the Promotion of Women Sunday, 22 March 2009)
It was this theme of renewal and identification with the suffereing that was the core message that Pope Benedict shared with the people of Africa:
“The time has come for Africa to be the Continent of Hope! All upright human conduct is hope in action. Our actions are never indifferent before God. Nor are they indifferent for the unfolding of history. Friends, armed with integrity, magnanimity and compassion, you can transform this continent, freeing your people from the scourges of greed, violence and unrest and leading them along the path marked with the principles indispensable to every modern civic democracy: respect and promotion of human rights, transparent governance, an independent judiciary, a free press, a civil service of integrity, a properly functioning network of schools and hospitals, and – most pressing – a determination born from the conversion of hearts to excise corruption once and for all… In fact, the peoples of this continent are rightly calling out, not simply for more programmes and protocols, but for a deep-seated, lasting conversion of hearts to sincere solidarity. Their plea to those serving in politics, public service, international agencies, and multinational companies is simply this: stand alongside us in a profoundly human way; accompany us, and our families and our communities! (Meeting With Political and Civil Authorities and the Diplomatic Corps, Friday, 20 March 2009)
His message was one aimed toward a radical, personal and social renewal of the continent. Unfortunately, due to the “condom statement,” the core message of his visit was lost. The Holy Father’s message was one grounded on the Social Teachings of the Church. It is unfortunate that the challenge for social renewal as grounded on the Gospel and Catholic Social Teaching was lost to the media, Western governments, scientists, and even to many Catholics due merely to a piece of latex. The issues faced by Africa, and the whole of human society, cannot be solved by a condom, nor by debates over condom usage. As the sum of Pope Benedict’s messages imply, the stakes are too high and the problems too complex to merely focus on artificial solutions.
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