Pope Benedict XVI sees 'aggressive secularism' in Spain

6 November 2010

Pope Benedict XVI has warned of an "aggressive anti-clericalism" in Spain which he said was akin to that experienced during the 1930s.

He arrived in the pilgrimage city of Santiago de Compostela at the beginning of a two-day visit to Spain.

"The clash between faith and modernity is happening again, and it is very strong today," he told reporters on the plane, quoted by AFP news agency.

He is due to celebrate an open-air Mass and then travel to Barcelona on Sunday. the rest-video

Papal Homily at Mass for Compostela Holy Year
"Europe Must Open Itself to God, Must Come to Meet Him Without Fear"