This monument appeared on the square in front of Rome's train station in May 2011. It was donated to the city by one of the charitable foundations. But, to put it mildly, the townspeople did not like such a gift. The statue of the pontiff caused a storm of indignation. To some it resembled a leaky bell, to others a telephone booth, and some even called the sculpture “a shelter for the homeless”.

Only the lazy failed to mention the lack of any outward resemblance. The wrong nose, the wrong ears, the disappearance of the neck, and, on top of that, the implausibly round shape of the head, in which some even saw a resemblance to the dictator Benito Mussolini.

As a result of the scandal that erupted, the author of the monument – sculptor Oliviero Rinaldi – packed his bags and left the city. According to him, the workers at the foundry were to blame for everything, as they reproduced his design incorrectly.

And the authorities, despite the fact that it was a gift, for the first time in the city's history held a referendum on citizens' attitude toward the monument. As a result, 88% of respondents spoke negatively about the monument. Therefore, it was decided to remake the “ugly” pope.

Almost a year and a half later, a new John Paul II appeared before the townspeople. A smile appeared on his face, the shape of his head changed noticeably, and the contours of the monument themselves became more streamlined. But the overall concept remained the same.

According to surveys, most Romans are still dissatisfied with the sculpture. All in all, giving gifts without asking is a thankless business.