Leading article: A small move that could presage a vital reform

With his iPod and Prada loafers, Pope Benedict XVI is turning out to be a very different sort of Pontiff from the one many had expected. The man who, in his previous incarnation as Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, was dubbed " God's rottweiler" for his hardline views has managed to project a surprisingly moderate image since ascending to the summit of the Catholic Church in April last year. And just after the first anniversary of his election, there are signs that the Vatican is preparing to reconsider one of the most fundamental doctrines of Roman Catholicism.

The Pope has requested a "scientific, technical and moral study" on whether it might be acceptable for Catholics to use condoms inside a marriage when one partner is infected with HIV. That this question is even being discussed is a profound departure from the church's present teaching that the use of any form of contraception, under any circumstances, is an unacceptable curb on the "sanctity of life". It is significant that such a move is coming from the top. As the former Pope's doctrinal adviser, Cardinal Ratzinger was responsible, more than any other churchman, for John Paul II's intransigence on contraception. Some have already begun to compare these latest moves to President Nixon's rapprochement with China in the 1970s.

If the Catholic Church were to alter its message along the lines suggested, it would still leave much to be desired. The new ruling would apply only to married couples, despite the fact that Aids tends to be spread primarily through sex between the unmarried. But any cracks in the Catholic edifice of opposition is to be welcomed. And it is important to recognise that pressure for change from within the church is growing too. Cardinal Carlo Maria Martini, the respected former Archbishop of Milan, argued recently that condoms can sometimes be "the lesser evil". Deeper reform could well follow any initial, tentative liberalisation.

Condoms are an essential tool in combating Aids; and the Catholic Church's recommendation of abstinence and marital fidelity as a safeguard against HIV infection is clearly no substitute. It is obvious too that the Vatican has, for many years, allowed its concern for dogma to outweigh its concern for preserving human life. That some Vatican hardliners have been allowed to propagate the lie that condoms have "tiny holes" that allow the transmission of the HIV virus is deplorable.

Yet it is legitimate to ask how much practical effect such a doctrinal revolution will have. The Aids pandemic is at its most virulent in Africa, but it is far from clear whether Catholics across that continent take much notice of Vatican rulings. Some have argued that the refusal of many Africans to use condoms is a cultural, rather than religious, phenomenon. But what is beyond doubt is that much health care in Africa is provided by Catholic charities. Volunteers from these organisations often complain they are torn between church doctrine and their desire to help prevent the spread of HIV. At the moment, they are forced to propagate a message most know to be dangerous. Reforming Catholic doctrine will not eradicate Aids, but it will be an important contribution to ensuring the most sensible advice on sexual health prevails. Correct information will save lives.

Stalin once sarcastically asked how many divisions the Pope had under his control. The answer is still none. Yet though the Catholic Church may lack any direct power over the lives of its flock, it has a huge influence. And it is in the interest of all humanity - not just Catholics - that it exercises that influence wisely. In a world struggling against a lethal Aids pandemic, this demands the Catholic sanctioning of the use of condoms.