Annie Lennox lashes out at Pope Benedict’s AIDS advice

Melbourne, May 02: Scottish singer Annie Lennox has blasted Pope Benedict for his advice on AIDS prevention in Africa.Lennox, 54, who devotes her life to charity work to raise awareness of HIV/AIDS in Africa, was infuriated with the Pope’s comment that condoms would not stop the disease spreading - and may increase the problem.

“If there was ever an example of irresponsibility, it’s the Pope going to a country like Angola, where people are dying left, right and centre because of unprotected sex, and telling them they should carry on or that they should abstain. What planet is this person on?” the Herald Sun quoted her as saying. “It’s an illustration of the madness that goes on in this world. I have nothing against the Catholic Church or any religion. I respect everyone’s entitlement to pursue whatever spiritual value they like, but it’s a missed opportunity. “He managed to set things back for people. It was criminal, really. “It’s the highest irresponsibility for anyone to put that message out. It’s undone the good work people have been trying to do in terms of safe sex practices and education. What a mess,” she added. Lennox`s SING project - raising money to prevent the spread of HIV in Africa - provides balance for what the singer calls the "deeply superficial" world of fame. ANI