A small plaque commemorating the visit of Pope John Paul II to Gozo in 1990 has inspired the idea of setting up a life-size bronze monument dedicated to the beloved Pope, who is now on the fast track to sainthood.

If everything goes according to plan and the Committee for the Pope John Paul II Monument manages to raise the necessary Lm20,000, the monument should be unveiled on May 26 of next year - a date that coincides with the 16th anniversary of his visit.

Gozitan artist Alfred Camilleri has been chosen to sculpt the larger-than-life, eight-foot statue of the late Pontiff, which will stand on a five-foot pedestal. The statue will be fired at a foundry in Rome.

"I already have a model of the statue. I wanted to capture the Pope's characteristics and create a sense of movement in his robes (the Pope is wearing abiti sagri) to portray a feeling of today's fast times," he said.

Speaking at a press conference yesterday, committee chairman Monica Vella explained that many potential sites had been studied, including Ta' Pinu, but it was finally decided that the monument should be located in the very place of the plaque in Pope John Paul II Street, Victoria.

Dr Vella said the committee was hoping that many entities would take an interest in financing this "national project".

This idea has already been bounced off Gozo Minister Giovanna Debono, Gozo Bishop Nikol Cauchi and the Victoria local council.

Committee project coordinator Carmel Zammit said that a series of fundraising events were being organised, including the intention to have artists hand in works marking the Pope's visit to Gozo to raise funds.

Those who wish to help the committee's dream materialise can send a donation to one of the following bank accounts: Bank of Valletta, 400 142 314 85; HSBC, 071 148 738 001; APS Bank, 200 002 879 26; or Lombard Bank, 014 406 417 05.

The committee will send a receipt for every donation. For more information send an e-mail to: jp2monument@yahoo.it