(ZENIT News / Jerusalem, 06.04.2024).- On May 18, Pope Francis visited Verona to dedicate a statue of the Risen Christ, an artwork conceived from the vision of Father Ibrahim Faltas, the Custodial Vicar of the Holy Land. This significant event is expected to lead to the installation of one of Jerusalem’s most iconic monuments.
The statue, set to be erected in the heart of Jerusalem’s Old City, aims to symbolize forgiveness and the welcoming of others, as a means to build bridges of reconciliation and love. This intention was highlighted in a report by the Christian Media Center.
Crafted from a material that interacts with sunlight, the statue’s appearance transforms throughout the day. Its colors shift with the sun’s position, presenting different hues in the morning, afternoon, and evening. This dynamic feature is intended to capture the beauty of both the sky and nature.
Father Ibrahim Faltas expressed his hopes for the statue: «We hope this statue reflects the reality of the Holy Land, its diversity, and the reality we live in despite all difficulties and challenges. It should embody the spirit of love, peace, tolerance, justice, and brotherhood, eradicating the spirit of vengeance, jealousy, envy, and hatred.»
During the Pope’s visit, Bishop Domenico Pompili of Verona remarked on the statue’s significance: «The gift of the statue of Jesus embracing humanity is meant to be a sign of hope that starts in Verona and reaches the Holy Land, and more broadly, the world. It serves as a counter-narrative to the inevitability of war, invoking a peace that can be built daily with everyone’s contribution.»
The statue’s creation began approximately eighteen months ago, under the guidance of Italian sculptor Alessandro Mutto. Initial designs and sketches were approved by the Franciscan Custody of the Holy Land. Roberto Brizio, the project coordinator, explained the evolution of the statue’s dimensions: «We started with five meters, then increased to seven, then eight, nine, and finally ten meters. The statue is composed of steel and bronze, weighing around 4,400 kilos. It represents humanity encircling Christ as He ascends to heaven. Christ’s face is serene, as He returns to the Father.»
Father Ibrahim Faltas concluded with a message of universal brotherhood: «We all aspire to reach heaven, but this is achieved through our acts of love, justice, tolerance, and peace. Accepting those different from us and treating them as brothers, created in God’s image, leads to peace, guiding us to heaven with Christ the Lord.»
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