Pope denounces condom use in visit to AIDS-hit Africa

Pope Benedict XVI, who arrived on Tuesday in Cameroon for his first trip to Africa as pontiff, denounced condom use on the AIDS-ravaged continent, saying there were better ways to combat the disease.

AIDS "is a tragedy that cannot be overcome by money alone, that cannot be overcome through the distribution of condoms, which even aggravates the problems", the 81-year-old pontiff told reporters on the flight from Rome.

The solution lies in a "spiritual and human awakening" and "friendship for those who suffer", said Benedict, who will also visit Angola during the week-long trip.

Arriving in the Cameroonian capital Yaounde, the pope said he was bringing the "Christian message of hope".

"In the face of suffering or violence, poverty or hunger, corruption or abuse of power, a Christian can never remain silent," he said after being greeted on the tarmac by Cameroon President Paul Biya.

"Even amid the greatest suffering, the Christian message always brings hope," the pope said.

In his welcoming remarks, Biya told the pope: "Africans and Cameroonians in particular ... note your unwavering interest in those who suffer from war, disease and oppression."

He added: "This solidarity is also an encouragement for them not to cede to pessimism on Africa and to continue their efforts to build a more just and united society."

Thousands of people, including entire families, groups of children in their school uniforms, clergy and percussion bands, lined the route from the airport to the papal nuncio's residence where the pope was to be lodged.

Benedict, who left behind controversy at the Vatican over his lifting of the excommunication of a Holocaust-denying bishop, also denied feeling alone over the affair.

"In truth, this myth about solitude makes me laugh," the pope said during the flight, dismissing reports in the Italian media that the controversy had left him isolated. "I am surrounded by friends. Solitude does not exist."

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