Pope: Condoms not answer in AIDS fight in Africa

I think that's the big part of the problem, John.  It's a cultural thing, from what I've heard.

As for what the Pope's saying, it's pretty typical of the Catholic church to say something that makes a lot of sense, but put it so badly that people think they're wacko.  What the Pope is holding up is a standard of conduct.  Of course, all the standards that have been put forth by the church, based on the Bible, are just that - the high bar.  We won't always hit the bar, but there's nothing wrong with having it as something to shoot for.  The root cause of AIDS and any other STD's and a lot of other heartaches in humanity is promiscuity.  It's always been dangerous.  So yes, there's definitely an overwhelming argument in favor of condoms, but it might be more important to teach people about risky sexual behavior.

Frankly, as a Catholic, I'm glad to be part of a church that doesn't cave on eternal truths just because the culture dictates it.