Various popes, however, took an interest in reerecting the obelisks taken from the ruins of the ancient city. The Roman Catholic Church has acknowledged that the obelisks were “dedicated to the Sun by an Egyptian king ” and that they once“ brought vain magnificence to sacrilegious pagan temples. ”
Hiljem tahtsid aga nii mõnedki paavstid muistse linna varemete hulgas olevaid obeliske uuesti püsti seada, kuigi roomakatoliku kirik on tunnistanud, et Egiptuse valitsejad pühendasid obeliskid päikesele ning et need tõid pühadust teotavatele paganlikele templitele vaid tühist toredust.