Vatican City, May 10, 2005 / 22:00 pm
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.
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