Pope John Paul II statue re-unveiled following Mussolini criticism The 11-month remodelling involved cleaning off unsightly streaks of rust that had formed on its surface, as well as new lighting and a new plinth. Gianni Alemanno, the mayor of Rome, said the work had "restored to citizens and the faithful an important monument." Umberto Broccoli, Rome's superintendent of cultural heritage, said it was only natural that the work would elicit a range of opinions, saying Italy is a country of 50 million football referees, 50 million art critics and 50 million politicians. "Italy is a country where controversy thrives," he said. But critics were unconvinced that the refashioned statue was an improvement on the original. "They've made it worse," said Fabio Sabbatani Schiuma, a member of Rome council. It looks even more like Mussolini. To celebrate the memory of a great pope like John Paul we could have done a lot better.