Giant Jesus Now Looms Over Polish Town

SWIEBODZIN, Poland (AP) — Workers have completed a giant statue of Jesus Christ in a small Polish town that its creators say ranks as the biggest in the world.

Hundreds of residents gathered to watch a towering crane lifting the crowned head onto the top of the statue in the town of Swiebodzin on Saturday.

The statue is the creation of a retired local priest, Rev. Sylwester Zawadzki. Many local residents and business people in Swiebodzin (shvee-eh-BOHD’-jeen) say they hope it will put their town of 22,000 on the map for Roman Catholic pilgrims and bring in money to their community.

The statue’s completion had been delayed by strong winds.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP’s earlier story is below.

SWIEBODZIN, Poland (AP) — Workers in a small Polish town on Saturday lifted the shoulders and arms onto a giant statue of Jesus Christ that its creators say will be the biggest in the world.

After delays caused by strong winds, a towering crane lifted the massive piece and very slowly placed it onto the lower part of the figure’s body. Later in the day, workers hoped to finish assembling the statue by hoisting the head.