Pope Benedict XVI’s controversial comments concerning condoms and HIV/AIDS were joined by unexpected proof that his statements may be based on fact from a Harvard University expert last week. During his first ever visit to Africa, the pope said the AIDS epidemic ‘cannot be overcome through the distribution of condoms, which even aggravates the problems,’ according to the Associated Press Pope Benedict XVI’s comments regarding the ineffectiveness of condoms in combating the spread of HIV/AIDS in Africa provoked strong and diverse reactions from South Africa to Massachusetts, but Edward Green, the director of the AIDS Prevention Research Program at Harvard, said they are not false. ‘The latest findings have shown there is no association with condom use and decrease of HIV in Africa,’ Green said. Green said other methods, such as vaginal microbicides, could potentially kill the HIV virus. ‘I sympathize with students, but people talk about condoms as if they were the answer to AIDS,’ Green said. However, Boston University’s Center for International Health and Development Director Jonathan Simon disagreed. ‘I think the pope’s comments were inappropriate and reflect a poor understanding of the social reality facing many Africans concerning the AIDS pandemic,’ Simon said. Simon said there is overwhelming scientific evidence that shows condom use needs to be part of prevention strategies. However, Green said monogamy should be emphasized in Africa to help the prevention of HIV/AIDS. He said he thinks the problem in Africa is behavioral. ‘Theoretically, condoms are effective in the prevention of HIV, as we have seen in countries such as Thailand and Malaysia, where the sex industry is big,’ Green said. ‘However, this does not apply to Africa.’ ‘I have worked in family planning in Africa, and it is very hard to get people to actually use condoms,’ Green said. Face AIDS BU Chapter President Kate McIlhenny said there is no single way to combat HIV/AIDS. ‘Condoms are just one piece of the puzzle,’ McIlhenny, a College of Arts and Sciences senior, said. Simon said students should understand disease prevention methods. ‘Students should respect and follow their own and others religious views, but still be aware of the ways in which we can prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS using condoms and other methods,’ he said. Simon said although the Catholic church is very influential in both South America and Africa, he does not think many people will follow the pope’s advice on combating HIV/AIDS. McIlhenny said she also does not think the pope’s comments will have any major consequences. ‘The Church has always been against contraceptives,’ she said.