Vatican City, 11th May 2005 (CNA)
- The town of L’Aquila in central Italy has
erected a steel cross towering over 6500 feet on
top of a mountain which as of May 18 will be
called “Mount John Paul II.”
The massive cross was erected on Mount
Gendarme in the central Apennines. As of May
18, the mountain will be renamed in honor of the
late Pope.
According to local officials, the people of
L’Aquila wanted to honor the man who spent many
days of during his pontificate in the area, skiing
and enjoying the countryside.
The zinc reinforced steel cross bears an
image of John Paul II and his pontifical coat of
arms. It was transported to the mountain by
helicopter.
Cardinal Jose Saraiva Martins, Prefect of
the Congregation for the Causes of Saints, will
preside at the dedication ceremony on May
18.
