In the midst of the massive spread of Zika virus in Latin America and other regions, Pope Francis has created controversy by suggesting that the use of contraceptives might be a good way to combat further spread of the notorious virus, according to USA Today.

The pope's statement came from a press conference while the Holy See was en route from Mexico to Rome on Thursday. When asked by if the Catholic Church would be open to birth control in light of the Zika virus issue, Pope Francis quickly drew a line between two prominent birth control methods: abortion and contraception, both of which the Catholic Church has traditionally condemned.

"Abortion is not a lesser evil. It's a crime, killing one person to save another. That is something that the Mafia does, an absolute evil. Don't confuse avoiding pregnancy with abortion," he said, according to The Los Angeles Times.

Pope Francis further pointed out that in the use of contraceptives, though usually deemed taboo by the Catholic Church, had been previously allowed by his predecessor, Pope Paul VI during the 1960s. During that time, Pope Paul VI allowed nuns in Africa to use oral contraceptives due to the threat of rape in the area.

Rev. James Keenan, an expert on Catholic sexual ethics and morality, stated that the Pope's comments would have far-reaching effects which would have a positive impact among those in areas being ravaged by the Zika Virus, reports CNN.

"This is not just about individuals. This is about the thousands of Catholic hospitals that can help women in this situation by providing contraception," he said.

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