In line with the revolutionary condom statement of Pope Benedict XVI, the World Health Organization articulates words of approval. The pope recently stated in public that in some cases, the use of condoms might be justified in order to prevent the spread of HIV.

Dr. Shin Young-soo, WHO's Regional Director for the Western-Pacific region, states: "The Pope's statement is in line with evidence that condoms are highly effective in preventing infection with the HIV virus."

The leader of the Catholic Church is still opposed to condom use for the purpose of birth control but admits that in special cases as for instance male prostitution condoms might serve as a shield against HIV.

In the Asian-Pacific territories, unsafe sex is the dominant accelerator of a rapid AIDS outbreak. Already 1.4 million people in the region suffer from the disease, which represents a 50% increase in comparison to the number of infected Asians, a year ago.

Especially sex workers are highly exposed to catch the HIV infection in case they don't use condoms to protect themselves.

The attempt of the Catholic Church to open up for the practice of safer-sex might encourage any religious believers to use condoms. "It's a considerable step forward," explains an Italian analyst. "It's the first time that a Pope accepts condom use this clearly, even if a number of bishops and cardinals had already said so."