A 14‑metre‑tall monument dedicated to Pope Leo XIV was unveiled in Callao, Peru, a few days before the pontiff’s visit to the country. The sculpture, located on a plaza in the port city near Lima, depicts the pope in full ecclesiastical regalia with outstretched arms. Local authorities claim it is the tallest statue of a pope in the world. The unveiling ceremony drew several hundred residents and visitors. The crowd was greeted with applause while a youth choir performed. The statue is constructed from steel, glass fiber, and resin. It was created by sculptors Rafael Gutiérrez and Deyvi Wong, who completed the work in just 45 days. Photographs of the pope’s face were used to capture his features accurately. Pope Leo XIV spent more than twenty years in Peru. Born in the United States, he arrived in the country as a missionary and later served as the bishop of Chiclayo. Many Peruvians regard him as a father figure and refer to him as their own pope. The statue’s creators and local leaders hope it will symbolize peace and unity, especially as Callao has recently faced increasing security challenges and violent crime. The pope will visit Peru from November 11 to 16, the final stop on his South‑American tour. He will travel to Lima, his former episcopal seat in Chiclayo, as well as Cusco and Pucallpa. During his stay in Callao, he is expected to visit a home for the elderly, where he previously served as an apostolic administrator. The event is anticipated to attract large crowds of Peruvian Catholics and is expected to boost local tourism, according to Euronews.
Article source: Magyar Hirlap | Image credit: Magyar Hirlap