Pope Benedict XVI is in the Spanish capital, Madrid, for four days of events expected to be attended by hundreds of thousands of people.
During his stay he will celebrate World Youth Day (WYD), a Catholic festival bringing together young pilgrims from around the world.
Overnight there were clashes between police and protesters demonstrating against the cost of the event.
The event's organisers say most costs will be met by the pilgrims themselves.
The visit comes at a time of economic hardship in Spain.
After flying in to Madrid's Barajas airport, the Pope told journalists: "The economy cannot function as a self-regulated economy. Man must be at the economy's centre, which is not profit but solidarity."
Up to a million pilgrims from across the world have gathered in the city for events which will culminate with an open-air mass on Sunday celebrated by the Pope.
Celebrations for WYD 2011 began on Tuesday evening with a giant open-air Mass where about 800 bishops, archbishops and cardinals from around the world - along with 8,000 priests - tended to the congregation.
Clashes
More than 100 groups opposed to the Pope's visit protested on Wednesday evening.
They included those who belong to the 15-M "indignant" movement - who oppose the government's austerity drive - as well as gay rights groups and others who oppose aspects of Roman Catholic teaching.
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