Pope Benedict XVI's recent visit to Germany sparks protests
September 28, 2011
Last week, Pope Benedict XVI paid a visit to Germany, marking his first trip back to his homeland since he became the leader of the Catholic church. He met with political and religious leaders and held mass for more than 70,000 people of all faiths at the Olympic Stadium in Berlin, according to USA Today.
"I came today because I was interested to see the pope," Christina Presber, a Protestant, told the news source on the first day of the pope's visit. "I believe this is very important for Berlin and for Germany, and I want to be a part of it."
The pope's four-day visit to Germany was not met without controversy. Time reports that as many as 10,000 people assembled in Berlin to protest the Vatican's views on controversial topics, such as contraception and homosexuality.
Pope Benedict XVI met the prospect of protesters calmly, and before his arrival, he told reporters that he didn't mind their demonstrations as long as they were peaceful, CBS News reports. He said that demonstrations are "normal in a free society and in the secularized world."
People can use calling cards to make phone calls to Germany to talk to their families and friends about the pope's visit.