Gays stage 'kiss-in' as Pope drives by

About 200 people have staged a gay "kiss-in" as Pope Benedict XVI drove by, to protest his visit to Spain and his policies on homosexuality, condom use and other issues.

About 200 people have staged a gay "kiss-in" as Pope Benedict XVI drove by, to protest his visit to Spain and his policies on homosexuality, condom use and other issues.

HT Image

About half the protesters kissed and the other half jeered as Benedict passed by Barcelona's cathedral, in his white pope-mobile on his way to celebrate Mass today morning.

Protesters said they were opposed to the pontiff's two-day visit, during which he has criticized what he called an

"aggressive" anti-church movement in Spain and called for Europe to rediscover its Christian roots.

Benedict today was to dedicate Barcelona's iconic Sagrada Familia church and visit a home for children with autism and behavioural problems before returning to Rome.