Papal contender: condom use a ‘duty’ in some circumstances – one would expect nothing less from The Tablet.

Two observations: Benedict XVI already broke the taboo by saying that condoms were justifiable to prevent the spread of AIDS. All moral acts are judged by the finis operis – the final intention and purpose. Of course, not all means are justified by a good end purpose.

It is something of a case of the stable door being closed after the horse has bolted.

I’m sure many French aristocrats went to the guillotine in the 1790’s without ever understanding what it was all about – if you get my meaning…