7 Iconic Facts About Christ The Redeemer - Page 4 of 9

A Vincentian Priest Proposed Mount Corcovado Christian Monument

Pedro Maria Boss, a Vincentian priest, was the first to propose placing a religious statue atop Brazil’s iconic Corcovado peak. When this happened, it was the 1850s. To commemorate Princess Isabel, the daughter of Brazil’s Emperor Pedro II, he proposed this. Since the separation of religion and state was occurring, however, his proposal was rejected. A second suggestion for a marker atop the mountain was made later in 1920. Catholic Circle of Rio initiated a petition drive to collect signatures and financial support for the monument’s approval.