August 18, 2011 – Despite the intimidating threats of some Indignados or Spanish protesters which subjected some pilgrims to very uncomfortable humiliation and annoyance, Spanish Security details and Policemen helped most of the WYD Pilgrims find their way safely to their respective quarters and place of stay. Some Police cordon paths just to isolate protesters from the Pilgrims. Police escorts of the Pope were also alert and vigilant. Everywhere you turn your head to, there is always police presence nearby. Actually when Pope Benedict XVI traveled from Barajas Airport going to the Nunciature, Police where amazingly lined up, 100-200 meters from each other. The security was ridiculously tight which is necessary because you cannot tell whether a random crackpot would just pop-up out of nowhere. Security is very important in WYD events. Without them some of the events would turn to chaos. Like during this day, 100 Gay and Lesbian protesters where planning to converge in Calle Serrano to stage a Diabolical Kissing while the Popemobile passes by. Spanish securities were very quick in foiling the planned protest by blocking their way even before they can gather. Or the arrest of a Mexican exchange student who was also a WYD Volunteer who was planing to gas protesters opposed to Pope Benedict XVI. Police was able to arrest the young man after they discovered his announcement on the internet. I remember in 1995, during the WYD Manila, when Pope John Paul II visited the Philippines for four days, not a single crime in Manila was recorded. It became a running joke, which perhaps is also probably true, that when a Pope visits a country, even criminals lay low. We salute all Spanish men and women belonging to the Police and National Guards who helped in maintaining peace and order in Madrid during the World Youth Day 2011.

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