Europe’s tallest Virgin Mary statue inaugurated in Polish village

An enormous statue of the Virgin Mary, believed to be Europe's tallest, was inaugurated on Saturday in the Polish village of Konotopie. The monument stands 55.6 metres (182 feet) tall, including a crown-shaped pedestal, and towers over the village of fewer than 150 people. Former Polish president and anti-communist leader Lech Walesa attended the consecration ceremony.

The statue surpasses the Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro (38 metres) and Poland's Christ the King statue (52 metres). It was commissioned by local millionaires Roman and Grażyna Karkosik, who said it is an expression of gratitude to God. Bishop Wiesław Mering noted the weakening of the Church but said the statue reminds that 'Mary won't give up on Poland.' Walesa said, 'I started with the Virgin Mary and I end with the Virgin Mary.'

The statue includes a viewing platform. Local authorities hope it will become a major pilgrimage and tourist destination.