The Pope is not putting himself out on a limb, he's putting himself up on the Cross, and that's what he's called to do.

We must walk in solidarity with those who are living with HIV/AIDS and with those at risk. As witnesses of Christ, we are called to respect the dignity of each person and to promote healthy living - physically, spiritually, morally and psychologically - through prevention and treatment

I realize political credibility is important in this world,but it's more important to be faithful to God.

If it were not for the Eucharist, if it were not for this marvelous manifestation of God's love, if it were not for this opportunity to place ourselves in the very real presence of God, if it were not for the sacrament that reminds us of His love, His suffering and His triumph, which indeed perpetuates for us His saving sacrifice on the cross, I am sure that I could never face the challenges of my life, my own weakness and sinfulness and my own need to reach out to the Living God.

The Pope is not putting himself out on a limb, he's putting himself up on the Cross, and that's what he's called to do.