Secularists and other groups angry about the cost of the trip joined gay rights activists in demonstrations.
Earlier in the week, 120 clergymen signed a petition criticising the visit on the grounds of the expense to cash-strapped Spain.
Luis Vega, of the Association of Atheists and Thinkers, said: “It’s a private event and is being financed with Spanish people’s money.”
The visit ends on Sunday with mass at Cuatro Vientos airport in the capital.
Police clashed with protesters on Wednesday night and arrested eight people. Eleven were injured.
Meanwhile, chemistry student Jose Perez Bautista, 24, who allegedly planned a gas attack on protesters at the same demonstration, has been released by a judge but is still under investigation.
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have taken to Madrid’s streets to protest against the Pope’s £43million visit to Spain.
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including Catholic priests
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Thousands of people
» Thousands of people, including Catholic priests, have taken to Madrid’s streets to protest against the Pope’s £43million visit to Spain.
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