Christ the Redeemer, perched majestically atop Corcovado Mountain, is more than just a religious icon or tourist attraction. It is an enduring symbol of Brazilian identity, a postcard not just for the city of Rio de Janeiro, but for the entire country.
With its arms outstretched, stretching 92 feet, Cristo Redentor seems to personally welcome the more than 4 million visitors who travel to see the monument each year. But today, its management and future are at the heart of a growing debate about religion, conservation and governance.
In October, a bill was introduced proposing to transfer management of the land where the statue stands from the federal government to the Catholic Church. Supporters argue that taking over the church would solve longstanding infrastructure and accessibility problems. However, critics see the move as a threat to Brazil’s secular state and its environmental commitments.
A Monument in the Forest
Erected in 1922 by the Catholic Church, the Christ the Redeemer statue sits inside Tijuca National Park, a vast 3,953-hectare expanse of restored Atlantic Forest that was recognized as one of the world’s first large-scale reforestation projects in 1861, more than a decade before Yellowstone was created.
Reforested to mitigate the effects of deforestation caused by coffee plantations, Brazil’s then-emperor created the national park to preserve ecologically significant ecosystems and provide a sanctuary for biodiversity. It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2012 and is now home to 1,619 plant species and 328 animal species, many of which are endangered.
“This park is much more than just a setting for the Redeemer,” says Mauro Pires, president of Brazil’s national parks and conservation units agency, ICMBio. “It’s a vital ecological system that supports local wildlife and plays a role in regulating Rio’s climate and water supply.”
The park’s attractions include panoramic viewpoints of the city, Guanabara Bay and the Atlantic Ocean, waterfalls and historical ruins. It attracts tourists and locals who come to hike, bike or take guided tours to enjoy Rio’s natural beauty.
However, the balance between tourism and conservation is delicate, especially in high-traffic areas like Corcovado.
A deal between church and state
The bill proposes to separate Christ and its region from Tijuca National Park, making it a separate and independent portion to be administered by the Archdiocese of Rio de Janeiro. The Church would then be solely responsible for the area, would have to take on any necessary renovations, but could also begin collecting revenue from ticket sales.
The current arrangement splits responsibilities between the Church and the federal government. Although it is on federal land, the Archdiocese has special permission to hold religious services at the foot of Christ and in the adjoining chapel at any time, and is responsible for their maintenance, but not for the surrounding infrastructure.
The federal government oversees the entire park and its infrastructure — including roads, transportation, restrooms, escalators, and ticket sales to the statue. A portion of the proceeds from ticket sales and concessions go to the Church, and according to a park spokesperson, by 2023, that amounted to $1.78 million.
Until now, the site has operated as a religious destination within a secular site. Masses, baptisms and weddings can be celebrated at the foot of Christ, as long as the general public still has access to the park during visiting hours.
Rio de Janeiro Archbishop Orani Tempesta celebrates a Catholic Mass in front of the Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro on May 30. Bruna Prado/AP
The Church and supporters of the bill, however, say more could be done to capitalize on the monument’s fame. “If a Brazilian brand wants to adopt our toilets, renovate them and put its name all over them, why shouldn’t it have that opportunity?” asks Claudine Milione Dutra, legal coordinator for the Archdiocese of Rio de Janeiro.
Dutra argues that federal bureaucracy also hinders addressing some of the needs currently addressed by the park. When the bill was introduced in October, lawmakers described escalators, toilets and water fountains that were broken for months.
“We cannot accept that Christ the Redeemer, Brazil’s most recognizable international icon, remains in a state of neglect,” said Senator Carlos Portinho, the bill’s author, as it was introduced in the Senate chambers. “The Church has historically cared for the statue and is best placed to manage it effectively.”
Pires, the president of the national parks agency, acknowledged that repairs are needed, but also said privatization is not the solution. Under former President Jair Bolsonaro, national park budgets were cut, and only now are funds coming back, Pires said. Many of the needed renovations, a