During his trip to Brazil Pope Benedict XVI found time to make a few comments regarding the liberalization of the abortion law in Mexico City and Brazil, sparking controversy among the Brazilians.

The issue of abortion is already a controversial matter in Brazil, where the law is very restrictive when it comes to abortion. It is allowed in the first three months of pregnancy, but only if the pregnancy puts the life of the mother in danger or is the result of a rape. Otherwise, it is punished with up to three years in prison.

The pope expressed his support for the Mexican bishops decision to excommunicate any politicians who support the legalization of the law. Brazilian Health Minister Jose Gomez Temporao answered Benedict, by saying the issue should be reconsidered because many women are put in the situation of having to raise their child alone and the decision to have or not an abortion should belong to each individual.

"Women have to talk, be heard. Women, in most cases, find themselves alone at a time like that. Unfortunately men do not get pregnant - if they got pregnant this question would have been solved a long time ago," said Temporao.

Dozens of people demonstrated in Brazil ahead of the pope’s arrival, in support for a new law, as the government is considering changing the current law.

The President of Brazil, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva adopted a rather conciliatory attitude, saying he is against abortion, but "no one has an abortion as an option or for pleasure."

Gomez Temporao said that over a million abortions are carried out every year in the country, but the figures could be much bigger. To support for his opinion, he added that thousands of women suffer after illegal abortion performed incorrectly.

The Church’s attitude towards abortion is a bit radical, as "the killing of a child is incompatible with feeding oneself of Christ's body.” People who take part to an abortion are excommunicated by the Church.

Elsewhere, during his visit in Brazil Pope Benedict is due to take part in different religious events and give a speech regarding the abortion issue, poverty and the large number of Catholics that are embracing different religions.