Madrid is preparing to host more than one million young Catholics on the bottom of crisis
Controversy surrounding the 2011 World Youth Day (WYD) beginning Tuesday in Madrid. While Spain just to get out of slump (GDP grew by only 0.2% in the second quarter) and remains mired in mass unemployment (20.9% of the workforce), there was criticism were raised against the organization of this gathering which will cost some 55 million euros. More than 1 million young Catholics, including more than 50,000 French, are expected until August 21 in the Spanish capital, where they will be joined by Pope Benedict XVI on August 18.
Nearly 150 organizations have called for a protest day on August 17 under the banner "The Pope's visit, not with my taxes." "The activity generated by World Youth Day will not cost the taxpayer a Spanish euro and inject 100 million euros in the Spanish economy," replied the chief financial officer of World Youth Day, Fernando Giménez Barriocanal. Funding is indeed provided by the young pilgrims, donations and corporate sponsors (see interview below).
For example, the gigantic facilities "Cuatro Vientos" (military air base southwest of the city the size of 48 football fields which will host the vigil and the closing Mass of World Youth Day next Saturday and Sunday) were fully financed by the Spanish construction companies, provide the organizers. World Youth Day, launched it over 25 years ago by Pope John Paul II, are held every two to three years alternately in Europe and the world. This is the second time they take place on the other side of the Pyrenees, where 73% of the population is Catholic but said that the Socialist government has recently legalized gay marriage and liberalized abortion.
Its scope, this gathering is a real logistical challenge. Nearly 8 million meals will be provided in less than a week. Some 10,000 police will be mobilized. Clashes with "Indignados" took place in early August, when their camp Puerta del Sol was evacuated in anticipation of the Pope's visit. The protesters have since prevented from entering the central square of Madrid.
Events associated with World Youth Day will be, they are concentrated in three other places emblematic of the Spanish capital: those of Columbus, Cibeles and Independence linked as a cross by the Paseo de la Castellana and Gran Via. It will take for example the opening Mass Tuesday and the pope's arrival Thursday and Friday Stations of the Cross. These religious manifestations accompanied by dozens of cultural activities (concerts, exhibitions, guided tours of museums, plays, etc.)..
Controversy surrounding the 2011 World Youth Day (WYD) beginning Tuesday in Madrid. While Spain just to get out of slump (GDP grew by only 0.2% in the second quarter) and remains mired in mass unemployment (20.9% of the workforce), there was criticism were raised against the organization of this gathering which will cost some 55 million euros. More than 1 million young Catholics, including more than 50,000 French, are expected until August 21 in the Spanish capital, where they will be joined by Pope Benedict XVI on August 18.
Nearly 150 organizations have called for a protest day on August 17 under the banner "The Pope's visit, not with my taxes." "The activity generated by World Youth Day will not cost the taxpayer a Spanish euro and inject 100 million euros in the Spanish economy," replied the chief financial officer of World Youth Day, Fernando Giménez Barriocanal. Funding is indeed provided by the young pilgrims, donations and corporate sponsors (see interview below).
For example, the gigantic facilities "Cuatro Vientos" (military air base southwest of the city the size of 48 football fields which will host the vigil and the closing Mass of World Youth Day next Saturday and Sunday) were fully financed by the Spanish construction companies, provide the organizers. World Youth Day, launched it over 25 years ago by Pope John Paul II, are held every two to three years alternately in Europe and the world. This is the second time they take place on the other side of the Pyrenees, where 73% of the population is Catholic but said that the Socialist government has recently legalized gay marriage and liberalized abortion.
Its scope, this gathering is a real logistical challenge. Nearly 8 million meals will be provided in less than a week. Some 10,000 police will be mobilized. Clashes with "Indignados" took place in early August, when their camp Puerta del Sol was evacuated in anticipation of the Pope's visit. The protesters have since prevented from entering the central square of Madrid.
Events associated with World Youth Day will be, they are concentrated in three other places emblematic of the Spanish capital: those of Columbus, Cibeles and Independence linked as a cross by the Paseo de la Castellana and Gran Via. It will take for example the opening Mass Tuesday and the pope's arrival Thursday and Friday Stations of the Cross. These religious manifestations accompanied by dozens of cultural activities (concerts, exhibitions, guided tours of museums, plays, etc.)..
