The Christ the King statue (Cristo Rei) in Lisbon, Portugal, is a prominent monument inspired by Rio de Janeiro’s Christ the Redeemer statue. It was completed in 1959 and stands on the southern bank of the Tagus River, in the city of Almada, facing Lisbon.
The statue is about 28 meters tall and sits atop a 75-meter pedestal, making the total height 113 meters. The statue depicts Christ with open arms, symbolizing protection and blessing over the city of Lisbon. At the base, there’s a viewing platform that offers stunning panoramic views of Lisbon, the 25 de Abril Bridge, and the surrounding landscape.
The construction of the monument was a response to Portugal being spared from the destruction of World War II, and it serves as a religious and cultural landmark in the country. Visitors can take an elevator up to the viewing platform, making it a popular tourist attraction.
“Christus Rex” refers to “Christ the King,” a title for Jesus that emphasizes His authority and reign over all creation. This concept is central to Christian eschatology, particularly regarding the Second Coming, when Christ is believed to return to judge the living and the dead and fully establish His eternal Kingdom.
In Christian theology, the Second Coming of Christ (also called the Parousia) is the anticipated return of Jesus Christ at the end of time. Key elements include:
- Judgment – Christ will return as a judge to reward the faithful and punish the unrepentant. This event is often linked to the idea of the Last Judgment in Christian thought.
- Resurrection – At His return, the dead will rise, and believers will be reunited with Christ in a transformed, eternal life.
- Establishment of the Kingdom – Christ will fully realize His reign as King, bringing peace, justice, and the final defeat of evil. This is seen as the culmination of God’s plan of salvation, with Christ reigning over a renewed heaven and earth.
The title “Christus Rex” is also associated with the Feast of Christ the King, a liturgical celebration established by Pope Pius XI in 1925 to emphasize the sovereignty of Christ over all nations and peoples. It typically occurs on the last Sunday of the liturgical year, just before Advent.
The imagery of Christ as “King” in the Second Coming is often depicted in art, literature, and religious thought as triumphant, majestic, and accompanied by angels, symbolizing His ultimate victory over sin and death.