Post date: Aug 20, 2011 8:27:48 PM
Hundreds of pilgrims attending vigil led by Pope Benedict in Madrid treated for heat-related illnesses.
MADRID, SPAIN (AUGUST 20, 2011) REUTERS - Hundreds of pilgrims were treated for dizzy spells on Saturday (August 20) related to the high temperatures of around 40 degrees in Madrid as they awaited a vigil led by Pope Benedict at the Cuatro Vientos aerodrome outside Madrid.
According to the city's emergency services, as the mercury hit a high of 41 degrees, by 17:00 (1500GMT) Madrid's emergency services reported staff on duty had attended 679 people. Most of the cases were heat related, it said via Twitter.
As the mercury hit a high of 37.8 degrees centigrade, pilgrims were sprayed with water near the main stage where the Pope was expected to address the faithful at 20:30 (1830GMT).
Eight fire trucks were on duty to providing pilgrims with relief as they sprayed water on the crowds.
S.A.M.U.R., the Spanish capital's emergency services have set up mobile hospitals in strategic parts of the aerodrome. Staff were patrolling the grounds on foot and bike.
Despite the high temperatures most pilgrims were upbeat.
Pope Benedict is on the third day of his four day visit. The Cuatro Vientos aerodrome will also be the setting for the main mass on Sunday (August 21) which is expected to attract at least two million people.
The costs of 84-year-old Benedict's trip to Spain at a time of economic hardship has reignited criticism by Los Indignados (The Indignants), a group whose mainly young members occupied Madrid's Puerta del Sol in May to protest against spending cuts.
Gay and lesbian groups, as well as Spanish priests, have also joined the demonstrations against the visit which turned violent on Wednesday evening.