Pope Benedict consecrates Barcelona's Sagrada Familia

Pope Benedict XVI has consecrated Antoni Gaudi's unfinished church, the Sagrada Familia, as a basilica in the Spanish city of Barcelona.

The Pope sprinkled holy water on the altar before a congregation of more than 6,500 people. Gaudi's greatest work has been under construction for more than a century, and will not be finished before 2026.
The current chief architect said he hoped the Pope's visit would provide the boost needed to finish the work.
Before leaving for Rome from Barcelona's El Prat airport, Pope Benedict called on Europe's Catholics to renew their faith.
"May this faith find new vigour on this continent and become a source of inspiration," he said at the end of the two-day visit.
In his earlier homily, he again criticised divorce, same-sex marriage and abortion.
He was seen off by dignitaries including Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero, King Juan Carlos and Queen Sofia.

Source: BBC

I don't agree the Pope's visit in Barcelona. It's obvious he came because there are economic interests, and it has moved a lot of money... but I can't understand... in this country there is a lot of unemployment, how they could waste more than 4.000.000 euros just with the security of the Pope? And more money with tickets to enter into the Sagrada Familia to see him...

I'm atheist, but I understand if some people believe in God... but how can someone believe in Catholic Church? How? They got a lot of power centuries ago and now they don't want to accept the society is changing and what they say is getting obsolete.

Actually they NEVER preach with the model of Jesus, helping the poorest people with hope, the Catholic Church just gain money and tell to people with strong faith what they can do and they cannot.

How the hell they want to give us moral lessons if we know they used to practicate pederasty? How the hell can we respect them if they compare Spanish atheism with the anticlericalism of '30, where it had burned churches and killed priests? Just a ignorance show and want-attention.

They are scared and are trying to stay in the society but it won't be possible. We are changing. Really... do they think that in the actual society the young people won't use the condom? Do they think that a teenage girl will ruin her life having a baby? Do they think that we are more open-minded than before, and there is no problem is we fall in love with another girl or boy? I mean, of the same sex than us? What the fuck???