The Pope will be visiting Madrid from the 16 to the 21 August 2011 for World Youth Day. However, reports in several Spanish newspapers on the 9, 10 and 11 August 2011 have stated that many people in Spain, even though it’s a staunchly Catholic country, are against the visit due to the sheer cost of the event, especially in light of the current economic situation in the country. In an article written in El Pais newspaper on 11 August 2011, the financial director of the ‘Jornada Mundial de Juventud ‘(JMJ), Fernando Giménez Barriocanal, has insisted that between the inscriptions from the pilgrims, donations from the big businesses in Spain (who will be able to get tax deducted from their donations as the government has declared the event of 'exceptional public interest') plus private donations, the proposed cost of the visit, some 50 million Euros, will be covered. However, this does not cover the cost to the public purse of things such as policing the event, transport costs ( the pilgrims will have special discounts on public transport) plus the cost in electricity, water etc for the 693 buildings such as schools and colleges where the young people will be staying.
Roads Closed in Madrid For Papal Visit
There is also the fact that large sections of central Madrid will be closed for the whole of the six day event, something that has never happened in Madrid before and which is bound to cause traffic chaos in the city. Two of the major roads in the city will be pedestrian only for the event. This means that anyone else in the city not connected with the Papal visit such as the citizens, businesses and even ordinary tourists will all be affected. Quoted in El Pais, the leader of the Regional Federation of Neighbourhood Associations (FRAVM) said “It is unacceptable to change the way of life for the whole population of Madrid just for the visit of a leader of the religion of one part of the population.” The officials at the schools, colleges etc where the young people will stay are also up in arms as they have been told that they have to work at a time when most of Spain is on holiday not to mention emergency service personnel and other official workers. A petition has been raised by the workers to protest at this imposition.
Pope Benedict XVI Visit to Madrid
Pope Benedict XVI is due to arrive on the 18 August 2011 to meet with the estimated two million young Catholics who have travelled from all over the world to take part in the event. More than 40 cultural events have been planned for the six day event including performances of a religious play written by Pedro Calderón de la Barca in the 17th Century, an art exhibition in the famous Prado museum featuring well known religious works by artists such as Caravaggio and an exhibition at the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum, also featuring works to do with the life of Christ. Masses will also be celebrated during the visit.
Whilst the two million young Catholics will no doubt relish the chance to see and hear the Pope and enjoy the planned events, the citizens of Madrid have six days of chaos to which to look forward.
Amanda Payne - By Amanda Payne: Topic Editor for European Affairs. Amanda is a freelance writer with a special interest in Spain and all things ...
