Peru’s president inaugurates giant Christ statue

LIMA, Peru: Peruvian President Alan Garcia has inaugurated a giant statue of Jesus similar to Rio de Janeiro’s iconic Christ the Redeemer despite opposition from the mayor of Peru’s capital.”Christ of the Pacific” is 72 feet (22 meters) high and stands atop a 49-foot (15-meter) concrete base. It overlooks the Pacific Ocean from Lima.With a Bible in his hand, Garcia inaugurated the work Wednesday, saying: “Lord Jesus Christ protect Peru on its path to harmony, pardon and reconciliation.”The statue of Jesus with his arms spread has been criticized for its lack of originality. Lima Mayor Susana Villaran has said there are other places it could go besides her city.The statue was donated by the Brazilian company Odebrecht. – Yahoonews