- Feb 5, 2002
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ROME – Although Pope Francis hasn’t even formally confirmed his presence yet, the 2023 edition of World Youth Day in Lisbon is already generating controversy over a $5.4 million price-tag for the altar area from which the pontiff is expected to celebrate a closing Mass.
Last week Lisbon city officials published details for the massive 54,000-square foot altar and stage area, at a cost of 4.2 million Euro plus VAT, or value-added tax, for a total outlay close to $5.4 million. The contract has been awarded to Portugal’s largest construction company, Mota-Engil.
The expense has generated criticism in the local press and from opposition politicians, who’ve demanded that Mayor Carlos Moedas of Lisbon appear before parliament to answer questions about the awarding of the contract.
“If the housing crisis was an altar for World Youth Day, it would already be solved,” Fabian Figueiredo, from the Left Bloc party, said on Twitter. “The problem is not lack of money but spending priorities.”
Continued below.
cruxnow.com
Last week Lisbon city officials published details for the massive 54,000-square foot altar and stage area, at a cost of 4.2 million Euro plus VAT, or value-added tax, for a total outlay close to $5.4 million. The contract has been awarded to Portugal’s largest construction company, Mota-Engil.
The expense has generated criticism in the local press and from opposition politicians, who’ve demanded that Mayor Carlos Moedas of Lisbon appear before parliament to answer questions about the awarding of the contract.
“If the housing crisis was an altar for World Youth Day, it would already be solved,” Fabian Figueiredo, from the Left Bloc party, said on Twitter. “The problem is not lack of money but spending priorities.”
Continued below.
$5.4 million altar for World Youth Day generates controversy in Portugal
In an apparent effort to sidestep the controversy, Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni has told news outlets that the organization of the August 1-6 World Youth Day is a local matter.
