Pope Defends Values In Face Of Gay 'Kiss-In'- Barcelona

[Beaverhausen]

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Pope Benedict XVI has defended the Catholic church's traditional family values during a visit to Barcelona which prompted a "kiss-in" from gay protesters.

The pontiff directly attacked Spanish laws that allow gay marriage, fast-track divorces and easier abortions as he dedicated the iconic basilica, the Sagrada Familia.

He said his consecration of the unfinished masterpiece by architect Antoni Gaudi, into a Basilica showed "that God is a God of peace not of violence."

"This is the great task before us: to show everyone that God is a God of peace not of violence, of freedom not of coercion, of harmony not of discord," the 83-year-old said in a homily.

Tens of thousands of faithful turned out to cheer him as he arrived for the event.

However, for the second time in as many days Pope Benedict criticised the policies of Spain's socialist government and called for Europe as a whole to rediscover Christian teachings and apply them to everyday life.

Barcelona is known as Spain's most progressive, vibrant and tolerant city and the pontiff's visit sparked outrage from some groups.

Around 200 gays and lesbians staged their five minute-long "kiss-in" as the Popemobile drove past the crowds.

"We are here to demonstrate against the pope's visit and call for a change in the mentality of the Catholic institution which still opposes our right to different ways of loving," said one protester, Sergi Diaz.

Helena Coll, 26, protesting with her friend Rebecca, added: "Religions speak of peace, humanity, of respect but then they they discriminate against these values."

"Homophobia. Hypocrisy. Corruption. Confessional state. Paedophilia. Vatican bank. NO THANK YOU," read one large white and black banner hung from the balcony of an apartment near the Sagrada Familia.