Pope Francis is reportedly putting religious artifacts up for sale, a practice that will continue posthumously according to some reports.
Gone But Not Forgotten: The Continuing Appeal of Pope Francis
by Kévin Comby, published on
- Copy link Link copied
A month after his passing, the rapturous popularity of Pope Francis endures. As the conclave sets to elect his successor on May 7 at the Vatican, the late Argentine pope, who was 88 years old, remains a preferred pick among souvenir vendors. As per franceinfo, numerous tourists are buying trinkets bearing the likeness of the deceased pope during their visit to the Vatican.
Rosaries, postcards, fridge magnets, glasses – the selection is plethora for keeping a tangible memento of the pontiff and a part of his history. A French tourist commented, "Just picked up a rosary and a magnet of the pope to keep him close to my heart."
Where Did Pope Francis' Gifts End Up? ## A Sales Boom
Despite the worldwide Catholic community's melancholy following Pope Francis' demise, today, entrepreneurs are jubilant. Soon, the shelves will be rearranged to make way for the cardinal who will appear in white on the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica after the traditional "Habemus papam." The one who was affectionately known as the "pope of the poor" is generating substantial revenue.
"This pendant is extremely popular... we've shipped tons of them," says an Italian vendor, clutching an item featuring the former pontiff. Several vendors attest that sales have soared by as much as 50% since his passing in recent days.
Around the article 📝 Pope Francis
Enrichment Analysis:
The query about the fate of gifts given to Pope Francis during his papacy goes unanswered in the given search results. However, the following instances reveal significant ways Pope Francis utilized gifts and resources during his papacy:
- The Mobile Health Unit: Pope Francis transformed his Popemobile into a mobile health clinic for children in Gaza, fulfilling one of his last wishes to address the dire humanitarian crisis in Gaza by offering medical attention to needy children.
- Chocolate Eggs for Children: In his final act, Pope Francis offered JD Vance three Kinder chocolate eggs for his children, emphasizing his focus on small, meaningful gestures.
- Prisoner Support: In a final gesture of compassion, Pope Francis donated his entire private bank account, estimated at 200,000 euros, to prisoners, symbolizing his dedication to advocating for the marginalized and incarcerated.
While these instances don't directly address the disposition of gifts received, they illustrate how Pope Francis employed resources and gestures to promote his values of compassion, mercy, and care for the downtrodden throughout his papacy.
- Entrepreneurs are eagerly preparing to sell souvenirs of the new pope, with sales of Pope Francis memorabilia still strong, serving as a tangible reminder of his impact.
- The late Pope Francis's focus on the less fortunate had already been reflected in the use of his gifts, such as transforming his Popemobile into a mobile health clinic for children in Gaza.
- In stark contrast to the melancholy felt by the Catholic community after Pope Francis's passing, home-and-garden stores might find a boost in sales, as many are buying fridge magnets, glasses, and other trinkets to keep the pope close to their hearts.
- The pending election of a new pope might serve to reaffirm Pope Francis's strong influence, selling twice as many souvenirs in souvenir shops, demonstrating that his lifestyle continues to inspire and sell well in the home-and-garden and souvenir sectors.
