August 2, 2011: Aid to the Church in Need is encouraging residents of Madrid to hang
papal flags on their balconies as a way to welcome Pope Benedict XVI for World Youth
Day.
"Make a public expression of your faith and closeness to the Holy Father,"
who will be in Spain in August for World Youth Day, organizers said. "Do not forget
to decorate your balcony or window, and do not go on vacation in August."
The
charitable organization is selling the flags to help church ministries in poor dioceses
and dioceses that are suffering persecution. The campaign is also intended to be
a sign of welcome to the Catholics who will be visiting Spain from all over the world.