While upholding a blanket ban on condoms, even in the face of HIV/Aids, the Roman Catholic Church conceded that its opposition to artificial birth control was perceived by many ordinary followers as an intrusion into their personal lives and “an encroachment on the autonomy of conscience”. In a 75-page document released ahead of a major Vatican conference in October, the Church also hinted that it will consider loosening its rules on annulments, making it easier for Catholic couples to dissolve their marriages.