why would any rational person who engages in "illicit" sex against the Pope's wishes, care what the Pope has to say about condoms?

I take your point Joe, but they might well be interested in saving their own lives. This is very much a medical issue, not a religious one. Also, not everyone is 'rational', albeit a rather subjective term.

My guess is that you're talking about high-risk sex or homosexual sex, and the pope would disapprove of those "circumstances" more strongly than he would disapprove of the use of condoms.

I was talking specifically about anal sex, not 'homosexual sex' - I apologise for not being more clear. Often practised as a form of birth control, particularly in places where 'medical' contraception is less available or discouraged for whatever reason. Not all homosexuals indulge in the practice of anal sex, and I doubt very much if there is any more homosexuality in Africa than anywhere else. Likewise promiscuity.


Akenaton - I see what you are saying, but your interpretation of what the Pope actually meant is not necessarily the same as everyone else's. I wouldn't expect him to condone dangerous practices, though in fact that is precisely what he has done, whether unwittingly or otherwise. People will undoubtedly die because of what he said.