The Brazilian city projected images of health workers on the statue in a tribute to their tireless efforts. The statue of Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, was lit up with images of medical professionals and words of thanks for all their efforts in the face of COVID-19, for a special Easter tribute. The projections included an image that saw the Risen Christ dressed in a doctor’s white coat with a stethoscope draped over his shoulders.
CNN reports that Archbishop of Rio di Janeiro, Orani João Tempesta, celebrated Mass atop Corcovado Mountain, at the base of the statue, during the light show. In the service, the Archbishop reportedly thanked and encouraged the tireless efforts of the world’s medical professionals in this unprecedented time of crisis.
During the light show, the 125-foot statue was emblazoned with words of thanks in dozens of languages, interspersed with short videos of doctors and nurses taking off their masks to show their faces. The medical staffers pictured look very tired but enthusiastic, and their smiles beamed with hope.
This is not the first time Rio has lit up Christ the Redeemer since the coronavirus reached world pandemic levels. Flags of the countries hardest hit by the pandemic were previously projected on the statue. The projections are a way to promote unity among all people, even during social isolation.
Brazil is currently listed 14th among countries with the worst outbreaks of the novel virus, with more than 22,000 cases.
