SRXXVII - The Inn

The pope’s statements are being deliberately misrepresented in the press. He is not saying that the use of condoms by prostitutes is morally justified–aside from the issue of condoms, prostitution can never be morally justified!
What he’s saying is that the use of a condom in those circumstances might show some sign that the person is not completely morally dead. They have some idea that their actions have repercussions, and they see that they can prevent some harm to others. To use an analogy (not a perfect one by any means), it’s like a person who used to take out his anger by beating his children, but who now takes out his anger by beating his dog. That doesn’t mean that beating your dog is “justified” in any sense. It’s not; it’s still evil. All it means is that this person might being showing a faint, moral pulse. He might be taking a first step towards a real reformation. If this person ever reforms to the point of living a good, moral life, he won’t beat his children or his dogs–neither of those is morally permissible under any circumstances.
He’s definitely not saying anything at all about the use of condoms by married couples.

You heard it here first folks, beating your dogs is the first step towards moral reformation.