Gay activists staged demonstrations throughout the Pope’s recent visit to Spain, in protest at his condemnation of gay marriage and abortion.

The country’s socialist government, led by José Luis Rodriguez Zapatero, recently legalised both gay marriage and removed obstructions to gay couples adopting children, a controversial move in traditionally Catholic Spain.

The Pope made his comments during a Mass celebration at Barcelona’s Sagrada Familia church, when he also attacked the increasing secularity of Spain, saying; “In recent years we have witnessed a growing anti-clericalism and an aggressive secularisation, similar to that seen in the 1930s”.

In response to his condemnation of more rights for gay couples, the Pope was met with demonstrations throughout the rest of his visit, in both Barcelona and Santiago de Compostela.

Hundreds of gay and lesbian couples lined the route that the Pope was to take in each town, holding a “kiss-in” while other groups joined the demonstration against the Church’s opposition to contraception, abortion and same-sex marriage.

Spain has seen a reduction in the number of people attending church in recent years, with only 14.4 per cent of the population describing themselves as regular attendees. King Juan Carlos did not receive communion, although he attended the mass at the Sagrada Familia, while there was criticism that José Luis Rodriguez Zapatero chose to visit Spanish troops in Afghanistan, rather than meet the Pope on his arrival in Spain.