Riot police, anti-papal protestors clash in Madrid
August 18, 2011
On the eve of Pope Benedict’s arrival in Madrid, riot police clashed with thousands of protestors, some of whom were chanting “God yes, Church no” and “we are not the Pope’s youth.” Eight protestors were arrested, and nine protestors and two policemen were injured in the clash.
The demonstrators taunted World Youth Day participants with shouts of “Nazi, Nazi”--a reference to Pope Benedict’s involuntary registration in the Hitler Youth as a teen. The participants responded by praying, singing alleluias, and chanting, “Long live the Pope.”
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Further information:
- Spanish police clash with anti-Pope demonstrators (AP)
- Pope flies in after Spanish riot police, protesters clash (AFP)
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