Local Catholics come to grips with Pope's condom about-turn

Bishop Valentine Seane of Gaborone Roman Catholic Church told Mmegi in an interview yesterday that before the Pope's statement on the use of condoms, there was widespread debate on the issue as things were not clear. He says that the church teachings discourage the use of condoms for birth control but it was not clear what people should do to protect themselves from the virus.  

He says that now the Pope, as a leader has made this clear by saying that in circumstances where transmission of HIV could be prevented a condom can be used.  "He is the pontiff of the church, and we are happy that he has taken this stand because now it clarifies the issue of condom use," he said.