Vatican clarifies stance on condom use

The Vatican yesterday said using a condom was a lesser evil in such cases, signalling a seismic shift in papal teaching as officials further explained the Pope's comments that emerged over the weekend.

The Vatican has long been criticised for its opposition to condom use, particularly in Africa where Aids is rampant.

But the latest interpretation of the pope's comments about condoms and HIV essentially means the Roman Catholic Church is acknowledging that its long-held, anti-birth control stance against condoms does not justify putting someone's life at risk.

The Pope said told the author of a book that condom use by people such as male prostitutes was a lesser evil since it indicated they were moving toward a more moral and responsible sexuality by trying protect their partners from infection.