Pope Francis regularly receives gifts during his travels or from guests in the Vatican. Now a host of gifts, including a board game for one and a Celtic Glasgow team football shirt, are being auctioned off for charity.
The department store has a perfume department, electrical items, men’s and women’s fashion and a gourmet corner. However, the priest’s clothing department and a display case of religious costume jewelry remind customers that they are at the center of the Catholic Church. Only Vatican employees and accredited ambassadors are allowed to shop. “The entire contribution will be donated to the Holy Father’s charitable work,” the notes said.
For sale are, among other things, a large Christmas tree bauble with the image of Francis himself and a brown-silver fountain pen from an exclusive German brand. Pope’s most expensive gift is a bright yellow, elegant designer armchair costing at least 6,500 euros. A saleswoman said that the gifts were very popular because many people had seen Francis receive something on television or because they could say at home that it once belonged to the Pope.
No sales tax
In the meantime, the last regular Christmas shopping is being done in the Vatican City department store. Because the proceeds usually flow directly to the Vatican’s treasury, no sales tax is charged. In neighboring Italy, the sales tax is at least 22 percent. If you choose a Pope gift, you must pay in cash.
Source: Krone
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