Four people have been injured in another night of clashes between anti Pope demonstrators and pilgrims in the city for the Pontiff’s visit and World Youth Day, in the Puerta del Sol in Madrid.

The clashes were repeated as on Wednesday night despite a high police presence in the area. A young Italian woman, who was reported to be in the area by chance, is reported to be among the injured in the police charge.

Gay and lesbians collected to hold a ‘kiss in’ at 8pm on Thursday in the Plaza Vázquez de Mella in Chueca. The gathering, which was authorised y the Government Delegation, came in support of family diversity and to combat intolerance. Fundación Triñangulo said ‘The different family types are a rich part of our society and we are going to defend them’.

The Partido Popular has accused the Government of complacency for their response to the ‘problems’ during the anti-papal march on Wednesday, saying the route accepted was to blame for the situation. There were eight arrests and 11 injured on Wednesday night. However left wingers I.U. have accused the Government of marginalising the anti-papal protestors.

Another anti-papal march has been called for today, Friday leaving the Puerta del Sol for Atocha at 7pm.

Meanwhile Benedict XVI has, in his second speech


in the Plaza Cibeles, attacked those ‘who think they are gods and decide on who is dignified to live or can be sacrificed’, referring to abortion and euthanasia. He said it was a pleasure to be in the centre of the beautiful city of Madrid, ‘which is also capital for the youth of the world, and where all the Church has its attention placed’, he said. The Pope sent greetings in French, English, Italian, German, Portuguese and Polish.

The Pontiff has been acclaimed as he has passed through the streets of the capital and the Mayor, Alberto Ruiz-Gallardón, has awarded him with the Golden Key to the city.

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