The world’s tallest statue of Our Lady of Fatima has been officially unveiled in Crato, Brazil, standing 177 feet high—the equivalent of a 15‑storey building. Towering over the city’s landscape, the monument reflects the region’s strong Marian devotion and growing importance as a destination for global pilgrims.
Constructed using a polyurethane core and a fibreglass exterior finished with resin, gel coat, and specialized paint, the statue was assembled in multiple sections like a massive 3D puzzle. Over 30 craftsmen and engineers worked tirelessly for nearly 17 months to bring this monumental vision to life.
Thousands of visitors, religious figures, and civic leaders gathered for the statue’s inauguration on November 13. Bishop Magnus Henrique Lopes emphasized that the monument renews the Fatima message of conversion and peace, urging believers to foster inner harmony that extends to the wider world. Minister of Education Camilo Santana joined in celebrating the occasion, calling it a national symbol of fraternity, compassion, and moral reflection.
A newly designed sanctuary now surrounds the extraordinary structure, offering pastoral facilities, pilgrim accommodations, and a detailed replica of the Chapel of the Apparitions from Fatima, Portugal. The dedication also marked the return of the pilgrim image of Our Lady of Fatima to Crato, seventy‑two years after its historic first visit in 1953—a moment that deeply influenced the city’s spiritual and cultural life.
Brazilian sculptor Ranilson Viana, renowned for his lifelike sacred art, led the creation of the statue with a dedicated team of artisans. He described the project as “a prayer in motion.” Having grown up in poverty and inspired by his grandmother’s faith, Viana channeled his life experience into this monumental work. He shared that building the statue was both an act of gratitude and a gift of faith meant to uplift everyone who beholds it.
The grand unveiling not only marks a milestone in religious artistry but also solidifies Crato’s place on the global map of pilgrimage. With its message of hope and spiritual renewal, the towering figure of Our Lady of Fatima stands as a lasting symbol of peace and devotion for generations to come.
