Pope explains second prong of AIDS strategy

In keeping with his goal of tending to the wounds of Africa, the Pope said, "As I stand here today, I am mindful of all the people in hospitals ... who suffer from a disability, mental or physical. I also think of those whose flesh bears the scars of wars and violence. I remember too all the sick and, especially here in Africa, the victims of such diseases as HIV/AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis. I know how actively engaged the Catholic Church in your country is in the fight against these terrible afflictions, and I encourage you to pursue this urgent task with great determination."

Although it was missed by most of the media, who focused on the Pope’s solitary line about condoms, (and he was right :) his Thursday address to the sick and suffering built off of his strategy for fighting AIDS that he mentioned on the Tuesday plane ride to Cameroon.

Pope Benedict stressed once again the need to accompany the sick and suffering, the second prong of the Church’s strategy to combat AIDS.

In the presence of atrocious torment "we feel powerless and we cannot find the right words. Before a brother or sister plunged into the mystery of the Cross, a respectful and compassionate silence, a prayerful presence, a gesture of tenderness and comfort, a kind look, a smile, often achieve more than many words," he said.

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