Peru: Giant statue of Pope Leo XIV unveiled ahead of papal visit

A 14-meter tall statue of Pope Leo XIV, the first U.S.-born pontiff, stands proudly in Callao, Peru, awaiting his arrival. This larger-than-life monument was unveiled on Monday ahead of the pope's final leg of his South American tour. The towering white sculpture, with its outstretched arms, represents Leo XIV in his characteristic flowing white robes.

Located in Peru's main port city, the statue has been hailed as the world's tallest pope sculpture. Its unveiling was met with cheers and a youthful choir performance during a festive inauguration ceremony. The 71-year-old pope's 12-day tour of Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru is aimed at promoting unity and addressing regional social, economic, and environmental concerns.

The statue, crafted by local artists Rafael Gutiérrez and Deyvi Wong, took just 45 days to complete after being assembled in sections in the capital city. Callao, where the statue is situated, has recently faced a rise in violent crime but hopes the monument will convey a message of peace. The pope's arrival in Peru has generated significant excitement, with millions expected to attend his masses in Lima and Chiclayo, and local merchants capitalizing on the tourism boom by selling pope-themed merchandise.

Another Pope Leo statue already exists in Chiclayo, the northern city where Leo served as bishop. The pontiff is set to arrive in Callao on Wednesday before meeting with President Keiko Fujimori.