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Pope maintains Church's stance on abstinence

    JOHANNESBURG

    Pope Benedict XVI told African bishops during a recent meeting in Rome that abstinence is the only "fail-safe" way to prevent the spread of HIV.

    The pontiff reiterated the Church's teachings by urging fidelity in marriage and highlighting "the safeguard which chastity gives".

    The Associated Press quoted Benedict as saying: "It is of great concern that the fabric of African life, its very source of hope and stability, is threatened by divorce, abortion, prostitution, human trafficking, and a contraceptive mentality, all of which contribute to a breakdown in sexual morality."

    Prelates from South Africa, which has one of the highest HIV prevalence rates in the world, were also present at the gathering.

    This article was produced by IRIN News while it was part of the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. Please send queries on copyright or liability to the UN. For more information: https://shop.un.org/rights-permissions

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