The Lancet has accused Pope Benedict XVI of distorting scientific evidence to promote Catholic doctrine following his remarks about condom use and HIV.

During a visit to Africa last week, the pope said the use of condoms increased HIV infection rates. This was later amended by the Vatican, which said that condom use merely increased the risk of transmission. The remarks were condemned by aid agencies, the UN and the German, French and Belgian governments.

Today's Lancet editorial said the statement was "outrageous and wildly inaccurate", adding: "By saying that condoms exacerbate the problem ... the pope has publicly distorted scientific evidence to promote Catholic doctrine. Whether the pope's error was due to ignorance or a deliberate attempt to manipulate science to support Catholic ideology is unclear.

"When any influential person ... makes a false scientific statement that could be devastating to the health of millions of people, they should retract or correct the public record."