“HIV/AIDS is a pandemic, together with malaria and tuberculosis, which is decimating African populations and severely damaging their economic and social life. It is not to be looked at as either a medical-pharmaceutical problem or solely as an issue of a change in human behaviour. It is truly an issue of integral development and justice, which requires a holistic approach and response by the Church. Those who are sick with AIDS in Africa are victims of injustice, because they often do not receive the same quality of treatment as in other places. The Church asks that funds destined for those with AIDS be actually used for this purpose, and recommends that African patients receive the same quality of treatment as in Europe. ”
The second Synod of Bishops on Africa held in Rome from 4 to 25 October 2009, which had as its theme: The Church at the Service of Reconciliation, Justice and Peace.