The Church and advocates of the bill argue that more should be done to leverage the fame of the monument, Christ the Redeemer. Legal coordinator for the Archdiocese of Rio de Janeiro, Claudine Milione Dutra, questions why a Brazilian brand couldn’t renovate and brand the monument’s facilities. She highlights the issue of federal bureaucracy hindering necessary improvements to the park, such as malfunctioning escalators, bathrooms, and water fountains.
Senator Carlos Portinho, the bill’s author, expresses concern about the neglect of Brazil’s iconic statue and proposes that the church, historically responsible for the statue’s care, should manage it effectively. However, the president of the national parks agency, Pires, emphasizes the need for repairs but opposes privatization as the solution.
While acknowledging the budget cuts under former President Jair Bolsonaro’s administration, Pires reveals plans for renovations at Corcovado Mountain in 2025. The proposed legislation would grant control of the statue and its immediate vicinity to the Church, potentially setting a precedent that raises environmental protection concerns, as highlighted by the national parks agency.
Although the fragile ecosystem of the park is at risk from increased noise, pollution, and development, Dutra assures that the church is committed to conservation and aims to enhance visitor experiences responsibly. The debate goes beyond land use and conservation, delving into the balance between Brazil’s Catholic heritage, secular constitution, and environmental obligations.
Co-sponsored by Senator Flavio Bolsonaro, the bill has already passed in the Senate and is under consideration by a tourism subcommittee, with potential progression to Brazil’s House of Representatives.
