Latest news with #Cristo
Yahoo
26-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Plan to build Christ statue ‘bigger than Rio's' prompts outcry in Spanish town
A Christian organisation in Spain has vowed to build the world's largest statue of Christ, surpassing the height of Christ the Redeemer in Brazil. A religious group from the town of Boadilla del Monte, a municipality just outside Madrid, said they are raising funds to build the largest 'Sacred Heart' Christ statue, at 37m high and 60m wide. The statue will also include a 2.5m tabernacle heart, while the torso and the head are to be built from reinforced concrete and the arms from carbon fibre. The statue will be constructed and designed by sculptor Javier Viver, whose work is largely dedicated to making religious imagery. If the project is completed, the statue will stand taller than Rio De Janeiro's Christ the Redeemer, which is 30m excluding the pedestal it sits on. It would also reach higher than the current tallest statue of Christ, Christ the King in Świebodzin, Poland, which stands at 33m tall. The campaign is being driven by the Asociación de Devotos del Corazón de Jesús de Boadilla (Association of Devotees of the Heart of Jesus of Boadilla), who said that the project will cost €17m. It plans to raise the funding through grassroots donations from around the world, with over €94,000 currently raised. The organisation said that building the statue is at the will of many residents who have requested that the local council erect the monument within the municipality. The proposal was approved in a municipal plenary session on 15 November 2019 without opposition from any group. It said the purpose of such a large statue was to be a global attraction, becoming a place of pilgrimage for visitors around the world, with enough space for people to enter inside the monument. The organisation says it is in phase one of three of the project, currently planning out the sculpture and crowdfunding, and hopes to hit €5m before it starts construction. If the statue reaches its funding goal, the organisation expects the monument to open in June 2030 after three years of construction. Some residents and local politicians have criticised the project for its extravagance, especially amid the ongoing housing crisis in Spain. Alessandra del Mónaco, the local Socialist Party head, criticised the conservative Popular Party for granting the land without looking into the project's viability. 'Given the price of housing in Boadilla, for example, it makes no sense to allocate available land for this,' he said, according to The Times. Others have taken to social media to say that funding should be invested in hospitals, housing and education rather than what has been described as a 'theme park' attraction rather than a spiritual monument, Info Boadilla reported. The organisation said that the monument is 'neither a luxury nor an ornamental gesture, but a courageous invitation to hope in a time marked by disenchantment and polarisation'. It aims for the stature to be a 'beacon in reconciliation and a symbol of love', as well as raise money for charities. Ana María, a spokesperson for the Association of Devotees of the Sacred Heart of Boadilla told The Independent that although the project requires a significant investment, 'it aims to provide a space that will attract many people and encourage a personal encounter with Jesus Christ. 'As has always been the case in the hearts of Christians, this encounter will bear fruit in numerous works of charity, thanks to the generosity of donors. Ten per cent of the funds raised from now on will be allocated to charitable works.'
The Independent
26-06-2025
- Politics
- The Independent
Plan to build Christ statue ‘bigger than Rio's' prompts outcry in Spanish town
A Christian organisation in Spain has vowed to build the world's largest statue of Christ, surpassing the height of Christ the Redeemer in Brazil. A religious group from the town of Boadilla del Monte, a municipality just outside Madrid, said they are raising funds to build the largest 'Sacred Heart' Christ statue, at 37m high and 60m wide. The statue will also include a 2.5m tabernacle heart, while the torso and the head are to be built from reinforced concrete and the arms from carbon fibre. The statue will be constructed and designed by sculptor Javier Viver, whose work is largely dedicated to making religious imagery. If the project is completed, the statue will stand taller than Rio De Janeiro 's Christ the Redeemer, which is 30m excluding the pedestal it sits on. It would also reach higher than the current tallest statue of Christ, Christ the King in Świebodzin, Poland, which stands at 33m tall. The campaign is being driven by the Asociación de Devotos del Corazón de Jesús de Boadilla (Association of Devotees of the Heart of Jesus of Boadilla), who said that the project will cost €17m. It plans to raise the funding through grassroots donations from around the world, with over €94,000 currently raised. The organisation said that building the statue is at the will of many residents who have requested that the local council erect the monument within the municipality. The proposal was approved in a municipal plenary session on 15 November 2019 without opposition from any group. It said the purpose of such a large statue was to be a global attraction, becoming a place of pilgrimage for visitors around the world, with enough space for people to enter inside the monument. The organisation says it is in phase one of three of the project, currently planning out the sculpture and crowdfunding, and hopes to hit €5m before it starts construction. If the statue reaches its funding goal, the organisation expects the monument to open in June 2030 after three years of construction. Some residents and local politicians have criticised the project for its extravagance, especially amid the ongoing housing crisis in Spain. Alessandra del Mónaco, the local Socialist Party head, criticised the conservative Popular Party for granting the land without looking into the project's viability. 'Given the price of housing in Boadilla, for example, it makes no sense to allocate available land for this,' he said, according to The Times. Others have taken to social media to say that funding should be invested in hospitals, housing and education rather than what has been described as a 'theme park' attraction rather than a spiritual monument, Info Boadilla reported. The organisation said that the monument is 'neither a luxury nor an ornamental gesture, but a courageous invitation to hope in a time marked by disenchantment and polarisation'. It aims for the stature to be a 'beacon in reconciliation and a symbol of love', as well as raise money for charities.
Times
25-06-2025
- Politics
- Times
It's taller than Rio's — Spanish town plans giant statue of Christ
A row has erupted over plans to build the world's tallest statue of Christ, on the outskirts of Madrid. A group of Catholics from the town of Boadilla del Monte, a municipality just outside the Spanish capital, have pledged to raise a monumental figure 37m (120ft) high and with a span of 60m (196ft) — taller than Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro, which is 30m high. The tallest statue of Christ in the world is at present Christ the King in Swiebodzin, Poland, which is 33m high and has a 2m crown. The town council in Boadilla del Monte has ceded municipal land for 'a new beacon of religious devotion' but some locals are opposing it, saying that the authority should not have given the land and demanding a public consultation.
NDTV
07-06-2025
- NDTV
From India-Nepal's Dharchula To Norway-Sweden: Borders Worth Travelling For
The world is a magnificent mosaic of cultures, landscapes, and stories. From snow-capped mountains to sun-drenched deserts, from bustling cities to quiet villages, every corner offers something unique. But sometimes, the most intriguing experiences lie not within countries-but between them. Borders are often seen as lines that divide. But in many places, they do the opposite - they connect. They tell tales of shared histories, cultural overlaps, and natural wonders that defy man-made boundaries. Some are marked by rivers, others by fences, and a few by nothing more than a change in language or cuisine. So, whether you are a curious traveller, a geography nerd, or someone who simply loves discovering the unexpected, here are 15 international borders that will make you rethink what it means to cross from one country into another. 15 Stunning International Borders That Go Beyond Lines On A Map: 1. India-Nepal: A Border That Feels Like Family At Raxaul-Birgunj, one of the busiest land crossings between India and Nepal, the atmosphere is anything but tense. Citizens of both countries cross over freely-no passport checks, just a warm welcome. One side serves Indian chai, and a few steps ahead, you will find steaming Nepali-style momos. But the real charm lies in Dharchula, a picturesque twin town split by the Kali River. On one side, it is Dharchula in Uttarakhand, India. On the other, it is also Dharchula, but in Nepal. A border that feels more like a bridge. 2. Argentina-Chile: A Mountain-Top Peace Pact At the summit of the Andes between Mendoza and Santiago stands the Cristo Redentor de los Andes-a towering statue of Christ the Redeemer, installed to commemorate peace after near-war tensions. Surrounded by snow, silence, and sheer altitude, it is a place that humbles even the most seasoned traveller. 3. USA-Canada: A Library That Divides A Town In Derby Line (Vermont) and Stanstead (Quebec), the international border runs through homes, streets, and even a shared library. Before stricter post-9/11 rules, residents crossed rooms, not borders. Today, it remains one of the quirkiest and most peaceful divides in the world. 4. Norway-Sweden: A Ski Track Through Nations Skiing from one country into another? Absolutely. In some parts of the Norway-Sweden border, there are no guards or barriers-just snowy forests and crisp, clean air. Ideal for nature lovers, it is the kind of border where your GPS works harder than immigration. 5. Belgium-Netherlands: Baarle's Baffling Border Welcome to Baarle, a town that looks like a jigsaw puzzle made by someone who gave up halfway. Belgian and Dutch enclaves are scattered throughout-sometimes mid-street, sometimes mid-house. Borderlines are marked on pavements, and some homes have two addresses depending on which door you use. 6. India-Bangladesh: The Tin Bigha Corridor Connecting the Bangladeshi enclave of Dahagram-Angarpota with mainland Bangladesh, the Tin Bigha Corridor is controlled by India and opened during specific hours. It is more than a border; it is a tug-of-war of identity and accessibility, wrapped in barbed wire and bureaucracy. 7. Germany-Poland: A River, A Bridge, A Shared Past In the twin towns of Gorlitz and Zgorzelec, a small pedestrian bridge spans the Neisse River. Once a site of wartime division, today it is a peaceful European crossing filled with street music, coffee shops, and quiet reminders of reconciliation. 8. Vatican City-Italy: Faith Flows Into Rome In St. Peter's Square, a simple line on the ground marks your entry into the world's smallest independent nation. Vatican guards stand quietly, tourists roam freely, and the border blends into the cobblestone charm of Rome. You walk from one of Christianity's holiest sites into the art-laden chaos of Italy-without even realising it. 9. Spain-Morocco: The Contrast At Ceuta In North Africa, the Spanish enclave of Ceuta meets Morocco-and the contrast is striking. From European-style avenues, you step into buzzing Moroccan bazaars within minutes. High fences and tight patrols guard this crossing, but the human hustle never really stops. 10. India-China: Nathu La's Cloud-Kissed Crossing Located on the ancient Silk Route, Nathu La Pass connects Sikkim in India with Tibet in China. At over 14,000 feet, this snowy border sees tricolours on one side, red flags on the other, and icy winds that don't care for politics. A special permit is required, but the views-prayer flags, military posts, and the chill of history-make it worth the effort. 11. Brazil-Paraguay-Argentina: The Triple Frontier Triangle At the meeting point of three nations, two rivers - the Iguazu and Parana - form a natural Y. Each country has its own lookout point, marked by colourful pillars and flags. But the best view is from above: waterfalls, green canopies, and three countries stitched together by nature. 12. Haiti-Dominican Republic: A Border Of Two Realities Even satellite images show the stark contrast-lush forests on the Dominican side, deforested stretches on Haiti's. On the ground, it is a bustling space of trade, chatter, and visible differences in policy and fortune. A border that tells a tale of two nations, side by side. 13. South Africa-Zimbabwe-Zambia: Border By The Falls Right where Victoria Falls roars in full might, three nations meet. You can stand in Zimbabwe, peer into Zambia, and if you plan your route, enter South Africa nearby. Rainbows form in the mist, and the thunder of the falls drowns out any conversation, or thoughts of division. 14. France-Italy: Through The Mont Blanc Tunnel Travel beneath Europe's tallest peak in the Mont Blanc Tunnel and emerge into another country. What begins in Chamonix, France ends in Courmayeur, Italy. It is efficient, scenic, and just a little surreal to drive under a mountain and arrive in a different culture. 15. India-Myanmar: The Melting Cultures At Moreh In Manipur's Moreh, the border feels more like a cultural handshake. Manipuri and Burmese communities share markets, wear similar fabrics, and even speak overlapping dialects. Cross into Myanmar's Tamu, and you'll find familiar spices and smiles. It is one of India's quieter, yet more harmonious frontiers. Which of these borders would you add to your travel wish list first? Let us know, and maybe pack your passport while you are at it.
CBS News
08-05-2025
- Politics
- CBS News
Read Pope Leo XIV's first address from the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica
In his first address Thursday, Pope Leo XIV spoke of peace, building bridges and helping people who are suffering. The themes of his speech seemed to suggest he would have continuity with his predecessor Pope Francis, whom Leo XIV thanked in his remarks. Standing on the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica with a large crowd of people in St. Peter's square, Leo XIV spoke in both Italian and Spanish. Here's a translation of his speech: Peace be with you all! Dearest brothers and sisters, this is the first greeting of the Risen Christ, the good shepherd who gave his life for the flock of God. I too would like this greeting of peace to enter your hearts, to reach your families, to all people, wherever they are, to all peoples, to the whole earth. Peace be with you! This is the peace of the Risen Christ, a disarmed peace and a disarming, humble and persevering peace. It comes from God, God who loves us all unconditionally. We still keep in our ears that weak but always courageous voice of Pope Francis blessing Rome. The Pope who blessed Rome gave his blessing to the world, to the entire world, that morning of Easter Day. Allow me to follow up on that same blessing: God loves us, God loves you all, and evil will not prevail! We are all in God's hands. Therefore, without fear, united hand in hand with God and among ourselves, let us move forward. We are disciples of Christ. Christ precedes us. The world needs his light. Humanity needs him as the bridge to be reached by God and his love. Help us too, and then each other to build bridges, with dialogue, with encounter, uniting us all to be one people always in peace. Thank you Pope Francis! I also want to thank all my brother cardinals who have chosen me to be the Successor of Peter and to walk together with you, as a united Church always seeking peace, justice, always trying to work as men and women faithful to Jesus Christ, without fear, to proclaim the Gospel, to be missionaries. I am a son of Saint Augustine, an Augustinian, who said: "with you I am a Christian and for you a bishop." In this sense we can all walk together toward that homeland that God has prepared for us. To the Church of Rome, a special greeting. We must seek together how to be a missionary Church, a Church that builds bridges, dialogue, always open to receiving, like this square, with open arms. All, all those who need our charity, our presence, dialogue and love. And if you will allow me a word, greetings to everyone and especially to my dear diocese of Chiclayo, in Peru, where a faithful people accompanied their bishop, shared their faith and gave so much, so much to continue to be a faithful Church of Jesus Christ. To all of you, brothers and sisters of Rome, of Italy, of the whole world, we want to be a synodal Church, a Church that walks, a Church that always seeks peace, that always seeks charity, that always tries to be close especially to those who suffer. Today is the day of the Supplication to Our Lady of Pompeii. Our Mother Mary always wants to walk with us, be close, help us with her intercession and her love. So I would like to pray with you. Let us pray together for this new mission, for the whole Church, for peace in the world and let us ask this special grace to Mary, our Mother.
