07. 09. 10. - 12:00

Vienna Pope cross spared the chop

A giant cross erected ahead of a Vienna visit by Pope John Paul II will not be scrapped after a private initiative provided 200,000 Euros for its restoration, it has emerged.

Viennese newspapers report today (Tues) that the city of Vienna will cover half of the 400,000 Euro costs needed to renovate the 40-metre iron cross set up at the Donaupark in 1983. A private initiative called "Rettet das Papstkreuz" (Save the Pope Cross) will come up with the rest, according to reports.

The cross’s state has deteriorated due to rough weather and rumour has it that the plan was to tear it down over safety concerns for the hundreds of people visiting the park where it is located everyday.

An intense debate about the 56-tonne object’s future has dominated the headlines of media in the federal capital for months since right-wing campaigners criticised decision-makers to financially support events like the Life Ball, the world’s biggest AIDS/HIV awareness happening while closing their eyes when it came to ensuring the cross’s future.