Rome: Church officials have communicated Pope Benedict XVI's intention of soliciting a report on the acceptability of Catholics to draw on the benefits of condom use in exceptional cases, such as, in the event of either partner being infected with H.I.V, with a view to protect life within the precincts of marriage.

Experts have commended the efforts of the church to have addressed a sensitive issue such as this, while also agreeing that such an enquiry is much warranted. What makes it really noteworthy is that, Pope Benedict XVI was also Pope John Paul II's advisor on such matters and was instrumental in the enforcement of such doctrines.

The change being envisaged with respect to condoms will only pertain to special cases between married couples. This will certainly raise eyebrows among the conservative Catholics, especially the sudden turn of events and Pope Benedict's sobered stance on the condom issue.