SPAIN – The Pope’s visit to Spain has been marked by gay rights protests among others concerned about the economic hardship the country is facing. The Pope’s four-day visit is estimated to have cost the country in excess of $144 million.
Thousands took to the streets of Madrid condemning his stance on gay rights and Spain’s unemployment rates. Reuters reported that with banners stating “nothing for the Pope from my taxes,” thousands of marchers made their way from the central Tirso de Molina square to Puerta del Sol where tensions between protesters and pilgrims led to clashes which were broken up by police. Eight people were hurt and eight others were arrested, police and emergency services said.
Reuters quoted 55-year-old Rosa Vazquez who was on the march as saying, “It is costing a lot of money for the Spanish state which is going through a bad moment.”
The Pope has made homophobic comments about gay relationships in the past and has claimed that condoms increase rather than prevent the spread of HIV and AIDS.
The Pope’s visit was part of a drive to boost church attendance. He urged young people not to be “ashamed” of their faith saying, “With all my heart, I say again to you young people: let nothing and no one take away your peace; do not be ashamed of the Lord.”
