Hundreds of onlookers watched as the world's tallest Christ statue was unveiled in Peru, Wednesday.

President Alan Garcia inaugurated the 123-foot "Christ of the Pacific" statue as his last official act in office.

The statue faces the Pacific Ocean, similar to the well-known "Christ the Redeemer" statue that overlooks Rio de Janeiro.

"Our Lord, Jesus Christ, I ask You to bring peace to our country," Garcia said at the ceremony.

"Material things can do a lot, but nothing is worth anything if there is not a transcendental and different message, and that is what You have brought here," he continued.

Garcia said that he personally financed nearly $37,000 for the project to leave something to the Peruvian people when he steps down from office on July 28.

Meanwhile, Peru's incoming president will visit with United States leaders in Washington this week.

He considers the U.S. a key partner in trade and the fight against drug trafficking.