Francisco receives visitors from all over the world almost every day. They have gifts in their luggage. Now they can be auctioned off at the Vatican department store and the proceeds will be donated to a good cause.
What to do with unnecessary or inappropriate Christmas gifts? For example, selling for a good cause. According to Kathpress, at least that's how Pope Francis feels about some of the gifts he receives from Vatican guests or while traveling. The Vatican is now auctioning off the numerous gifts collected during his nearly eleven-year tenure in a department store.
The department store, located in the old Vatican train station building, hardly differs from other temples of consumption. There is a perfumery department, household appliances, men's and women's fashion, a gourmet space – all well lit. The priestly clothing department and a display case with religious jewelry remind customers that they are at the center of the Catholic Church. Vatican employees and ambassadors accredited to the Holy See are authorized to make purchases. Spread throughout the department store you will find several shelves with the inscription “All proceeds will be donated to the Holy Father’s charitable works”.
In tune with the build-up to Christmas, a great Christmas tree bauble is on sale. It shows Francisco kissing a child on the head. Minimum bid: 25 euros. The brown and silver fountain pen from an exclusive German brand is safely stored in a display case. It costs at least 1,800 euros. The Pope's most expensive gift at the department store is an ornate, bright yellow designer chair, with a starting bid of 6,500 euros. A saleswoman says that the Pope's gifts are very popular with customers because they have seen Francis receive something on television or because they want to say at home: “This once belonged to the Pope”.
President of Madagascar board game
A large part of the gifts come from the countless guests that Francisco receives almost every day. The Celtic Glasgow football team, for example, brought Francis a green and white striped football shirt with the words “Francis” on the back. One of the smartest gift ideas this year was a board game from Madagascar's president, Andry Rajoelina. The celibate church leader can also play the “Solitaire” game variant made only of Malagasy wood and stone. The biggest gift comes from a family of shipbuilders in southern Italy: the nine-meter replica of a wooden sailing ship, like the one used by fishermen on the Sea of Galilee in the time of Jesus, has been on display at the Vatican Museums since October.
Meanwhile, the last of the regular Christmas shopping is being done at the Vatican department store. You can get real bargains in the department stores: as profits usually go directly to the Vatican treasury, no sales tax is charged. In neighboring Italy it is at least 22%. In fact, anyone who decides to receive a gift from the Pope and thus support a good cause must pay in cash. Card payment is only accepted for larger amounts, such as the design chair. It is quite possible that it will remain in the Vatican department store for a while longer. (APA)