A statue blessed by Pope Francis is coming to downtown Orlando, along with some controversy.
The bronze sculpture, called "Homeless Jesus," depicts a faceless man sleeping on a park bench, but his uncovered, scarred feet reveal nail wounds as described in Jesus' crucifixion.
A life-size version of the sculpture, designed by artist Timothy Schmalz, will be placed in front of the First Presbyterian Church of Orlando, on the corner of East Jackson Street and Rosalind Avenue — a corner where many homeless people line up to receive a warm meal from the church.
"The Incarnation says he entered into our humanity, he entered into the very messiest places of our lives, to redeem them," said Dr. David Swanson, senior pastor of the First Presbyterian Church. "There's no doubt in my mind that he would identify with and be with the people who are homeless."
The Homeless Jesus sculpture is scheduled to be installed in mid-April. A member of the church donated $40,000 to bring the piece of art to Orlando.