
Pope Benedict's comments were in response to an interviewer's question and clearly were intended to suggest that a 'condom distribution alone' policy could actually 'worsen' the problem by the implied encouragement of the sexual behavior, which is the cause of the problem. Abstinence education is working in Uganda!
If the soul is lacking, if Africans do not help one another, the scourge cannot be resolved by distributing condoms; quite the contrary, we risk worsening the problem. [or possibly, we make the problem worse.] The solution can only come through a twofold commitment: firstly, the humanization of sexuality, in other words a spiritual and human renewal bringing a new way of behaving towards one another; and secondly, true friendship, above all with those who are suffering, a readiness - even through personal sacrifice - to be present with those who suffer. And these are the factors that help and bring visible progress.
I'm shocked!