Brazil’s most famous monument, the Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro, is at the center of a battle between church and state.
For over 90 years, Christ the Redeemer has overlooked Rio, but now a dispute is brewing over its control. The Catholic Church seeks ownership of the statue and the surrounding terrace, while the Brazilian government argues it belongs to all. Congress is debating bills supporting the Church’s claim. Officials warn that granting control to the Church could harm conservation efforts in Tijuca National Park. The park’s preservation relies on revenue from ticket sales, which also funds maintenance. The debate is intensifying as record tourist numbers highlight the statue’s cultural and economic significance.
Al Jazeera’s Monica Yanakiew reports from Rio de Janeiro
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