From the NYTimes:



Wow, I wasn't expecting that. I really do think its a remarkable turn-around. I applaud Benedict. I really was under the impression he was much more conservative than this.

I can see my dad doing a 180 degree change on this topic now.

I think its amazing, and thinking realistically.

I second that. In this day and age, the church should continue to be more flexable with things like these. It's unrealistic to expect that they can continue to have their cake and eat it too in regards to these issues.

However, I don't think they should modernize, like drop their stance on other stuff. The condom thing was just realistic.

Bravo!! I'm Catholic and I think this is A very good idea and while he's at it and on a roll, how about allowing Priest's to Marry and be with a Woman?? It certainly couldn't hurt and probably would cut down on the sex abuse..

BKB, I agree with you 100%. It will also make priests (and the church) more comfortable with the public. Little stuff like this will no doubt bring people back to church.

Does the pope ever put a condom on his old, rotten meathook? If so, what does it taste like?

sexual abuse to young boys has nothing to do with priests not being able to marry or be with women. Sexual abuse is VASTLY different.

ARGH!!! Thou shalt not MURDER!

ähhhh...sex still stays in marriage only.... This is no free pass for polygamy or so......I actually can not recognize the big change..to be honest. All you sinful onenightstanders are still on the way to hell.........

BKB, those priests that abused kids did it not because they were not married but because they were pedophiles.Infact, most pedophiles who sexualy abuse children are married in the first place.
Anyway, if the pope allows it(condoms) then i guess i wont have to confess about that anymore(using condoms), so thats a plus.

I'm sorry, but it's called temptation. How can a priest have sex with a 23 year old blond if she doesn't walk into a church. Pedophiles are often lonely people to begion with.

This was a silly rule anyway so im glad there getting rid of it. Still I hope the church doesn't do mad and get rid of all there rules. I never listen to them but I like to know they have the balls to say no to modern societies demands for change on certain matters.

Because for the first time it acknowledges sex as not being purely for procreation. That seems small, but its HUGE. Prior to this, even within marriage there was not the same idea of sex for pleasure and affection. If a man is putting a condom on for his wife, it means they want to engage in physical activity for reasons other than having babies. Even if this is being coached as AIDS prevention, it means people have sex, and are still entitled to have sex, for other reasons. Its a very big stride as far as sexual awareness, reporductive health, and std prevention. Its also a huge step in those regards as far as domestic roles and feminism. I think its great.

I hope you are kidding. Temptation? Being tempted by a 23 year old pretty blonde is considered "normal" being tempted by an eight year old boy and wanting to fondle his penis is MUCH different. Lonliness? That is a ridiculous argument...are all single men pedophiles? Single women? Elderly widows?

Cmon man...you cannot believe that...

Humans are not meant to be celibate and its part of human nature to connect with someone, emtionally and physical.

YES, This is true..

connect with someone??? hmmmm and that is the same as molesting a small boy against his will?

dude...like really you are so off....


and BKB i know you are smarter than that to think this...

Clearly, Humans are not meant to be celibate and I wholeheartedly believe that enabling a Priest to be with a woman, to Marry a Woman, would cut down considerably on the sex abuse issues within the Catholic Church.. It couldn't hurt to at least try it and put it to the test before totally denouncing this as nothing more than Hoo-ha..

Are you just as blonde as Mariah Scary?

OK so if you were to not be able to have sex with women ever again are you saying there is a chance you would molest a small boy?

How old are you? No offense but you seem young

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Well you seem dumb.

I'm sorry, but please go and do some psychology courses and then come back and argue. Not everything in the world is black and white.

No.. I wouldn't be a Priest if I knew I couldn't bang a chick.. Absolutely not and it's because of this that Priest must find solace in young boys who are the only one's they really maintain close contact with since there not allowed to be with a Woman.. This is WHY I feel that changing this rule and allowing a Priest to actually be with someone of the opposite sex might curb the urges to be with young alter boys.. Will never know unless they try..