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What are the chances that Pope Benedict might actually make a public statement granting permission for condoms to be used within marriage when one or both of the partners is HIV positive? arguing for just such as change in church policy are the latest in a series of similar statements from church leaders including Cardinal Godfried Danneels of Brussels and Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O'Connor, the Archbishop of Westminster. A change in policy of this kind would not require the pope to challange the Catholic Church's general opposition to artificial contraception, as articulated in Paul VI's 1968 encyclical . Instead, a well-established theological principle ("the lesser of two evils") could be invoked to draw a clear moral distinction between the use of a condom in family planning and the use of a condom in the fight against HIV and Aids. It seems obvious to many that these two scenarios are morally distinguishable. The question is: Will Pope Benedict see it that way, given that his predecessor plainly did not?

An earlier comment here from Candadai Tirumalai makes an iteresting point:

I think Cardinal Ratzinger and Pope Benedict are two different men. This is not the first time elevation to the highest office has changed the man. The former hardline theological adviser to Pope John Paul now takes a much broader view of his leadership. Hence his meeting with the dissenting or radical Hans Kung. Surprising developments may follow as his papacy unfolds.

I agree. And I wouldn't be surprised if Benedict announces the guidance Cardinal Martini and others are now inviting. Indeed, a . Watch this space.