politics
Europe's Tallest Virgin Mary Statue Unveiled in Small Polish Village
Hundreds Watched the 56-Metre Monument's Consecration, Including Anti-Communist Leader Lech Wałęsa
TL;DR
- A 55.6-meter statue of the Virgin Mary, believed to be Europe's tallest, has been inaugurated in Konotopie, Poland.
- The inauguration ceremony was attended by hundreds of people, including anti-communist leader Lech Wałęsa.
- The statue is taller than the Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro and the Christ the King statue in Świebodzin, Poland.
- Lech Wałęsa stated that the statue marked the end of his path, linking it to his lifelong championing of democracy and the Catholic faith.
- The statue was commissioned by wealthy Polish businessman Roman Karkosik and his wife Grażyna as an expression of gratitude.
- Local authorities hope the monument will become a pilgrimage site and tourist destination, featuring a viewing platform within its pedestal.