VATICAN CITY, Dec 1 (AFP) - The Roman Catholic Church backs scientists fighting AIDS and encourages all those working to cure and curb the diseases, Pope John Paul II said Saturday.
In a message of support to AIDS victims on World AIDS Day, the pope appealed to the public to "be aware of the causes and consequences of this grave ailment."
"The Church is at the side of scientists and encourages all those who work tirelessly to cure and hold in check this grave infirmity," Pope John Paul added.
The Catholic Church condemns use of condoms as a method of protection against AIDS, preaching chastity instead.
"Dear brothers and sisters suffering from AIDS, do not feel alone, the Pope is close to you and supports you with affection on your difficult path," the pontiff told a symposium on Catholic charity in the Vatican City.
On Friday the official Vatican newspaper L'Osservatore Romano spoke out against the recent distribution of condoms in one of Rome's largest theatres, and criticised the use of such methods "to spread messages which run counter to (Catholic) education."
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