Philadelphia Prepares Souvenirs for Pope’s Visit

With Pope Francis’ visit coming in September, the city of Philadelphia has been in an uproar getting ready. With millions of people expected to come and see the pontiff as he officiates mass and a Festival of Families, questions include where all these faithful are going to stay and how officials will manage the crowds. Art installations are being planned, prayers are being said, and preparations are being made.

This is an example of the merchandise you might be seeing in Philadelphia, as the souvenirs in the picture were made for a visit the pope made to the Philippines.

Among those preparations is the designing and manufacturing of miscellaneous merchandise intended as souvenirs for those in town for the pope’s visit. Philly-based company Aramark is distributing Pope Francis merchandise to commemorate the occasion. Aramark has prepared a line of nearly 200 different souvenirs, including cups, shot glasses, stuffed dolls, commemorative artwork, and t-shirts (one reads “I __ Pope Francis,” with a miter instead of a heart). It’s expected that some of the most popular merchandise will be faith-based items like rosaries.

The items range in price from $5, for a commemorative pin, to $500 for a sterling silver cross. A cuddly plush doll of Pope Francis is going for $20. Most of the items are branded with the World Meeting of Families, the event for which the pope is visiting the United States. World Meeting of Families 2015 executive director Donna Farrell spoke excitedly about the merchandise, saying that she is confident attendees will be pleased with the selection available. Mayor Michael Nutter, a former Catholic school student, commented that he would have to buy one of the plush dolls as a gift for his mother.