Monday, September 12, 2011

Pope Cross rescued from ruin

A steel cross erected to celebrate the pontiff’s visit to Austria nearly 30 years ago will undergo a complex renovation after concerns were voiced it could collapse.

The 40-metre-high metal and steel construction, which weighs 56 tons, was placed at the Donaupark in Vienna-Donaustadt in 1983 when late John Paul II visited the city. 

Its state has worsened over the years due to the effects from the weather.

A private initiative called "Rettet das Papstkreuz" (Save the Pope Cross) was established to collect money to finance a restoration last year after media started speculating it could be torn down to ensure the safety of people relaxing in the park.

The renovation started, city officials confirmed. 

They explained the cross would be removed to derust and "technically optimise" it. 

City authorities explained the plan was to place the object in the same spot in around 10 weeks.

Viennese decision-makers remained tight-lipped about the costs of the restoration today. However, newspapers claimed already in September 2010 that the city will cover half of the estimated costs of 400,000 Euros while "Rettet das Papstkreuz" will come up for the rest.

Reports have it that the Diocese of Vienna will also participate in the funding.

News of the renovation of the well-known cross come on the back of reports that – with 87,393 – more people than ever left the Roman Catholic Church in Austria last year.

The figure was 63 per cent higher than the exodus registered in 2009, the previous record year. 

Around 89 per cent of Austrians were Catholics in 1961. 

The denomination took a share of 65 per cent in the populace of the alpine country in 2010. 

Similar developments have been registered in several countries across Europe in recent years.