June 22, 2012. (Romereports.com) The Vatican says that medicine used to treat AIDS  patients in Africa, should be provided for free.

Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, the Vatican's Secretary of State, said this on behalf of Benedict XVI, during the 8th International DREAM Conference in Rome.


He said an entire generation cannot be lost to the AIDS epidemic. He then added that the Church will continue its work in providing education, food, medicine and care to HIV/AIDS patients. He also said the Church is committed to education, as a way to stop the spread of this disease, particularly in Africa.

The Pope has visited Africa twice. First in 2009 and then in November 2011. Despite its challenges, the Pope described Africa as the continent of hope.  

In 2004, Blessed John Paul II created the “Good Samaritan” Foundation, which is managed by the Pontifical Council for Health and Pastoral Care. The Council manages donations to help patients who need it the most.

Cardinal Bertone also highlighted that almost 30 percent of HIV/AIDS care centers, throughout the world, are managed by the Catholic Church.

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