Pope Benedict XVI has defended the Catholic church's traditional family values during a visit to Barcelona which prompted a "kiss-in" from gay protesters.

The pontiff directly attacked Spanish laws that allow gay marriage, fast-track divorces and easier abortions as he dedicated the iconic basilica, the Sagrada Familia.

He said his consecration of the unfinished masterpiece by architect Antoni Gaudi, into a Basilica showed "that God is a God of peace not of violence."

"This is the great task before us: to show everyone that God is a God of peace not of violence, of freedom not of coercion, of harmony not of discord," the 83-year-old said in a homily.

Tens of thousands of faithful turned out to cheer him as he arrived for the event.

However, for the second time in as many days Pope Benedict criticised the policies of Spain's socialist government and called for Europe as a whole to rediscover Christian teachings and apply them to everyday life.

Barcelona is known as Spain's most progressive, vibrant and tolerant city and the pontiff's visit sparked outrage from some groups.

Around 200 gays and lesbians staged their five minute-long "kiss-in" as the Popemobile drove past the crowds.

"We are here to demonstrate against the pope's visit and call for a change in the mentality of the Catholic institution which still opposes our right to different ways of loving," said one protester, Sergi Diaz.

Helena Coll, 26, protesting with her friend Rebecca, added: "Religions speak of peace, humanity, of respect but then they they discriminate against these values."

"Homophobia. Hypocrisy. Corruption. Confessional state. Paedophilia. Vatican bank. NO THANK YOU," read one large white and black banner hung from the balcony of an apartment near the Sagrada Familia.

A group of about 100 feminists and "pro-choice" activists also staged a rally in central Barcelona.

One huge banner read: "We women don't want you. Keep your rosaries off our ovaries."

But other signs were hung in the city's street welcoming the Pope with the words: "All with the Pope."

The Sagrada Familia is one of Barcelona's most visited attractions but is still unfinished despite over 100 years of building work.

Construction of the Basilica could take another 15 years at least, with 10 more spires to be constructed, including the central tower crowned by a cross reaching up 170 metres (560ft).

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Berk.

I am not religious but if the Catholic church want respect then they need to act in a way that makes it possible. Hiding paedophiles is not the way to doi it. Also would Jesus be homophobic. He was very pally with the prostitutes who were considered sinners. So it is almost as if they are not even following the teachings of Jesus but what they want to follow.