VATICAN CITY, Nov 26, 2006 (AFP) - Pope Benedict XVI condemned discrimination against AIDS victims Sunday, ahead of a December 1 World AIDS Day promoting awareness of the pandemic.
"I very much hope this circumstance will foster ... commitment to avoid all discrimination against those touched," Benedict said, during his weekly Sunday Angelus blessing in Saint Peter's Square.
The pope also encouraged the Roman Catholic church's "multiple initiatives" to fight the pandemic.
His statements come amid debate within the church over whether to sanction the limited use of condoms, considered a key weapon in fighting the spread of the virus.
Currently, the Vatican condemns all forms of contraception except abstinence, and disapproves of condoms even for AIDS prevention.
Still, certain clerics back their limited use in certain conditions -- such as when one member of a couple has contracted the virus via a blood transfusion.
The Vatican's key Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith is expected to give its view on a new proposal on the use of condoms, but the pope will have final say in the matter.
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