Thousands Protest Pope in London

Tens of thousands of people protested Pope Benedict XVI in central London Saturday, carrying banners that included the message "F*CK the Pope ... But Wear a Condom."

Protesters turned out in anger against Pope Benedict, who was visiting the United Kingdom, for his response to the priest abuse scandal, his opposition to same-sex relationships, and his claims that condoms spread HIV, among other issues.

According to PinkNewsUK, which posted video of the protests, "Organisers believe that up to 20,000 activists took part in the demonstration in Hyde Park. Protesters included the author of 'The God Delusion', Richard Dawkins, and gay human rights campaigner Peter Tatchell.

"Protesters unfurled banners with statements including: 'Pope's opposition to condoms kills people', 'Keep the Pope out of women's' reproductive rights' and 'F*CK the Pope ... But wear a condom.' Others simply called the Pope a 'bigot' or a 'homophobe,' while others [carried] balloons made up of blown up condoms, while some protesters displayed their anger at the Pontiff's apparent role in covering up the child abuse scandal within the church."

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