Pope is sued over condom stance

A concept artist from Germany is suing the Pope for his religious position against using condoms.

Karl-Friedrich Lentze has filed a case at the International Court in The Hague.

The 54-year-old from Bonn claims the Pontiff's stance equals an incitement to cause grievous bodily harm by exposing people to diseases like Aids.

The artist argues that Pope John Paul II "should be made responsible for the deaths of countless people" and his anti-condom position shows "significant contempt and arrogance towards human life".

Mr Lentze says he is still a Christian despite leaving the church.

He told Germany's Express newspaper he does not want the Pope to serve any sentence but is merely seeking a "symbolic" conviction.

He added: "Of course, he should be spared from having the likes of Milosevic in neighbouring cells."

Catholic Church spokesman Manfred Becker-Huberti underlined the Pope's position that condoms could not eradicate Aids.

He said: "It needs a different pattern of sexual behaviour that is determined by faithfulness to one's partner."