Pope’s coin is sold by 500 euros and faithful occupy São Pedro Square
While thousands of faithful continue to arrive, the movement around the square reveals another side of this historic moment: the trade in religious memories. Luigi di Rosa, Sicilian who has lived in Rome for ten years, has worked in Eternal Rome, Catholic souvenir store situated next to the St. Peter’s Basilica. He says it is the first time he closely followed a Pope’s funeral.
Despite working with sales, he says he is shocked by the speculation that has begun. “I opened the internet and came across a commemorative currency of Pope Francis being sold for 500 euros. It’s a horrible thing!”
The best -selling article in the store, according to Luigi, is a saint with the image of Francisco on the day of his election in 2013, usually bought from a rosary. Alessandro, one of the owners of the establishment, says that despite these speculation, store sales follow stable. “The number of people who enter and buy has not increased much, but we hope that in the coming days the movement will grow a little.”
The scenario is of devotion, emotion and also opportunity – spiritual for some, commercial for others. Pope Francis’ funeral is just beginning, but already makes it clear that his farewell will be marked by faith, tears and, for some, surprising figures.
