Pope Francis' Death Spurs Souvenir Sales Surge in Rome and Online

Souvenir Sales Boom in Rome

• 🛍️ Roman boutiques are experiencing a significant uptick in sales of souvenirs, including objects of piety, effigies, and statues, following the death of Pope Francis.
• 💡 Customers express a desire to purchase these items as a meaningful memento and to share with relatives back home.
• 📈 One shop owner reported a 30% increase in sales, anticipating further growth as events progress.

Online Sales and High-Value Items

• 💻 Souvenir sales have also surged online, with platforms like eBay seeing autographed photos of the Pope fetching prices up to €100.
• 💰 Particularly sought-after items, such as a model of the Pope mobile, are commanding even higher prices, listed at €225.

Travel and Accommodation Costs Rise

• ✈️ With the Pope's funeral approaching, there is high demand to attend, leading to scarcity of plane tickets.
• 🏨 Hotel room prices near St. Peter's Basilica have skyrocketed, making accommodation significantly more expensive.