THE Pope’s stance on contraception was not only out of step with the majority thinking but also out of step with the majority of Roman Catholics. His forbidding of the use of condoms has condemned millions to death through the spread of HIV and Aids. This is particularly the case in poor developing nations where a strong leadership from the Vatican could have prevented the spread of this terrible disease.

The sexual abuse of young and vulnerable people by the priesthood is appalling in itself, but the systematic cover-up by the Roman Catholic church, makes it worse. The Pope did not publicly condemn this or apologise for it.

Let us hope that when the cardinals convene they choose a man (I suppose a woman would be too much to ask for), who has compassion for the whole human race. Maybe the Vatican can change, but as most of the cardinals were appointed by the late Pope, I doubt it.

Kris Larner
Llanfairfechan, Conwy

TOUGH LOVE: The teaching of the Catholic church and Pope John Paul II on contraception has not failed, it has been found too difficult. Young people are urged to remain pure during courtship, thus setting the tone for self-control and responsibility during marriage. Notice the movement towards this in the United States.

The alternative is child pregnancies, abortion, falling birth rate, perversion and decadence.

Martin Spayne
by e-mail