In the relevant district representation, a debate has flared about the monument, which commemorates a visit by Pope John Paul II in 1983.
At that time, an estimated up to 350,000 people gathered for a Mass with the head of the church. So far, a plaque points to this occasion.
Politicians from the liberal NEOS party have now requested that the cross be "contextualized."
Specifically, memorial plaques are to be placed there for people who have been persecuted by the church; for example, for Anna Göldi, who was executed in 1782 for witchcraft, and for Giordano Bruno (1548–1600), who was burned in the dispute with the Inquisition.
'Make religious power visible'
A NEOS spokesman told the Catholic News Agency (CNA) on Friday: "It is about a classification of religious symbolism - so that the public space remains neutral and different perspectives become visible."
The push is not about reinterpreting the Pope's visit. No one should be attacked either. Rather, historical examples should make religious power visible.
With representatives of the ruling conservative ÖVP, the push is met with criticism.
The Austrian "Kronenzeitung" quoted a statement from the ÖVP on Friday, saying that the proposal shows a "vicious act against the Christian heritage of Austria".
The party warns against displacing Christian symbols from public space.
At the same time, she emphasizes that the existing plaque sufficiently explains the historical context.
A decision on the application in the relevant cultural commission is pending.