The Vatican Adjusts it’s Stance on Condoms

After decades of silence and condemnation the Vatican has modified it position on using condoms to prevent the transmission of HIV/AIDS. The shift, while it stops short of what is needed, represents a significant step forward. Just last summer, Pope Benedict caused an international uproar when on a trip to Africa he told journalists that condoms should not be used because they could increase the spread of AIDS.  Now, however, he indicates that using condoms is less evil than risking HIV exposure. While the Pope's comments do not go as far as those fighting HIV/AIDS would like, and the Vatican still forbids the use of condoms for family planning purposes, the remarks still constitute a major departure.

http://blog.populationinstitute.org/2010/11/24/a-major-step-forward-for-the-vatican/