Preparations in Madrid for the impending visit of Pope Benedict XVI have been marred by protests among locals at the vast sums of money being spent on the event.

The Pope's visit this week might be expected to meet with universal acclaim in a traditionally Catholic country. But with half a million pilgrims expected in Madrid, many are angry at the use of public funding and tax breaks to help finance a religious celebration during an economic crisis. While the authorities have been reluctant to release the figures, some estimate the activities could cost between €50m and €100m.

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