Pope Chooses Dogma Over Human Life

According to CNN, "More than 22 million people in sub-Saharan Africa are infected with HIV, according to a 2008 UNAIDS/WHO report. Nine out of 10 children with HIV in the world live in the region, which has 11.4 million orphans because of AIDS, the report said, and 1.5 million people there died of the disease in 2007."

The AIDS epidemic in Africa is a tragedy of enormous proportions. With the incredible numbers of sick and dying people there, one would think the world's leaders, including religious leaders, would embrace an inexpensive solution that could stop the epidemic -- use of condoms.

But not the Pope! In his visit to Africa this week, the Pope once again reminded everyone that as the representative of god here on earth, he has banned the use of condoms. He believes his religious dogma is more important than millions of human lives. I just don't understand.

I might could partially understand if condoms caused a fetus to abort. After all, some believe a fetus is a human life. But condoms don't do this -- in fact, they prevent abortions. They also prevent pregnancy and disease -- including AIDS.

I find it hard to believe the biblical Jesus would force people to have babies even if it killed them and made those babies orphans. But that's what the Pope wants to do.

The Pope can call this religious if he wants, but I just call it mean and vicious.