Thai Catholics have greeted the pope’s comments on condoms as a sign that the Church is stepping into the modern debate to fight against HIV/AIDS.

“The world has become different. I think the Church knows it sometimes has to make adjustments with the times. Saving people’s lives and protecting life is the important thing,” said Phuwamin Reunharn.

The father of two said it is “justifiable and acceptable to use a condom to prevent the spread of AIDS” however its use in itself does not answer the AIDS issue.

“People must believe in good values and ethics,” he asserted.

The condom issue came to light after the Vatican newspaper on Nov. 20 published comments made in a book, Light of the World: The Pope, the Church and the Signs of the Times, based on a series of interviews of Pope Benedict XVI by a German journalist.

Pope Benedict reportedly said that condoms may be used by men and women sex workers, as it is a lesser evil than transmitting HIV.

Camillian Father Siranon Sanpetch said the pope is not condoning the use of condoms but making an observation regarding the awakening of a sense of responsibility in the people.

“The pope does not offer a new moral evaluation of the use of condoms, but is merely describing a psychological development as one, even in the grip of sin, can begin to acknowledge the safety and human dignity of another,” he said.

“The Church has always celebrated the truth and beauty of human sexuality. I think the pope wanted to give his perspective on the need for a more humanized and responsible sexuality,” added the rector of the Camillian Social Center in Chanthaburi.

Thongching Yimyuan, manager of the Catholic Commission for Women, said through discussions with Church workers, they agreed that “condoms are not really the way” to protect oneself from the HIV infection.

“I feel the pope’s comments mark a tentative step into a more modern stance in the global fight against HIV/AIDS,” she said but added that it is better to prevent the spread of the infection by faithfulness in marriage.

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