Johannesburg — A report on condom use for HIV-positive people is being prepared by the Roman Catholic Church at Pope Benedict XVI's request, the Vatican's health ministry said on Monday.

Ministry director, Cardinal Javier Lozano Barragan, said his department was working with scientists and theologians to draw up a document detailing exceptional circumstances under which condoms would be condoned by the Church.

The announcement comes days after one-time papal contender, Cardinal Carlo Maria Martini, publicly put his support behind the use of the prophylactics among discordant couples - where one was HIV-positive and the other was not.

Asked by Rome's daily newspaper, La Repubblica, if he shared Martini's idea about condoms, Barragan said: "It is a very difficult and delicate subject which warrants prudence."

The Vatican has until now opposed the use of condoms as part of its overall teachings against contraception and advocates sexual abstinence as the best way to combat the spread of the HIV/AIDS.

[ This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations ]