ROME: A new version of the controversial statue of Pope John Paul II, which had to be revamped following a public outcry over its ugliness last year, was unveiled in front of Rome’s central station yesterday.
The five-metre (16-foot) high bronze statue, designed by the Italian artist Oliviero Rainaldi, was unveiled in May last year, just weeks after the late pope was put on the path to sainthood — but immediately sparked controversy.
John Paul, who died in 2005, smiles benignly down on passers-by, his bronze head supported by a structure with no body, but a large cloak ready to embrace those in need.
AFP
