18/08/2011 11:25
Madrid faces protests ahead of Pope Benedict XVI visit
Thousands of protesters have rallied in the Spanish capital, Madrid, against the cost of a visit by the Pope, hours before he is due to arrive, BBC reported.
A number of the demonstrators clashed with police after marching to the central Sol square chanting slogans.
The trip comes at a time of economic hardship in Spain, although organizers say the pilgrimage is self-funded.
Up to a million pilgrims from across the world have gathered in the city for the six-day World Youth Day (WYD 2011) festival, which culminates with an open-air mass on Sunday celebrated by Pope Benedict XVI.