Italian town's plans for huge statue of Padre Pio meet opposition
January 20, 2016
A small town in southern Italy has drawn controversy because of local officials' plan to build a massive statue to honor Padre Pio.
Mayor Michele Apolito of Olgiastro Cilento wants to statue of Padre Pio that would tower over 275 feet-- much higher than the Statue of Liberty. The statue would draw tourists, he says, and generate business for his little town (population 2,200). But the cost of building the statue would be enormous-- with planning alone estimated at €15 million-- and the town lacks the resources to complete the project.
"It's shameful to think that such an invasive and useless thing is being planned," said one local opponent. "Saint Pio wouldn't want us to spend €150 million on a statue."
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