AmericanPapist Comments
Do we need more proof that the Holy Spirit protects us all?
What will (or what CAN) our papa do about this?
Sorry, I'm siding with Martini on this one. I can't see how it's right to insist on infecting one's spouse if one has AIDS.
Madame, I should think that if one really loves one's spouse, one would practice complete abstinence. If a sperm can get through a condom, a microscopic virus will have no problem.
Maybe this is easier said than done but it seems like a no brainer - if they have AIDS they should refrain from sexual activity (even in marriage). I realize that AIDS is contracted by various ways but how did these "couples" get it? From prostitutes? Infidelity? Blood transfusions? I just can't imagine knowing I have AIDS and still having relations. Even with my husband. They are speaking of married couples and I find it sad that they can't refrain from the marital activity knowing they are infected and then screaming at the Church for being evil because they won't let them use condoms. That's my opinion and I know I'll get replies that I'm so self righteous etc. The Church is right, not this dissadent Cardinal.
Madame - clearly it isn't right to intentionally infect one's spouse with a life-threatening disease.
Since that much is clear, isn't it also rather evident that one shouldn't allow a 1/4 chance to infect your spouse?
Without getting into the other issues involved here - what IS clear is that we need a response from the Vatican otherwise dissidents like Martini (and other high-ranking prelates) will continue to confuse the faithful.
Not only is it wrong, but don't the children get AIDS as well?
What will (or what CAN) our papa do about this?
Theoretically, the Pope could pull his red hat. Realistically, that's not going to happen. Considering Martini's advanced age (he's a couple of months older than Pope Benedict and will turn 80 in February of next year) and Parkinson's disease — and the fact that his chances of becoming pope, such as they ever were, are now passed — I think it most likely that there will be no formal response.
I ralize that, Piblius. And that is an even worse problem. That is why dissent with regard to the Magisterium, disobedience against the Laws of the Church, are so common in our times.
The Holy See spends rivers of ink publishing document after document, but there seems to be no action when its teachings are disregarded from within. The See of Peter must show the World that it will not allow a Cardinal to spread false doctrines, and that it will apply the Church's penal laws, even if in the cases when the offender is a Bishop.
Being married can be difficult, even for Catholics, as I'm sure every married Catholic who reads this blog knows. A marriage missing the central act of union that makes marriage different from any other kind of relationship (and that makes marriage the only one in which such union is sanctioned) is very, very hard to keep together. Not impossible--and I'm not saying _I'd_ necessarily want to trust my life to a condom--but very difficult. I'm saying I agree with the cardinal that in this case, condom use would be acceptable. It's fine for others to disagree with me on this, but this happens to be my view, and I speak with some experience.
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