Calligraphers protest Vatican decision to print all papal blessing in-house
December 19, 2014
Calligraphers and shopkeepers catering to pilgrims and tourists in Rome are protesting the Vatican's announcement that beginning January 1, all papal blessings will be printed and distributed through the Office of Papal Charities.
Small shops near the Vatican have sold many thousands of parchments-- some colorfully illustrated, many beautifully printed-- with papal blessings. But the profitable business has allowed for forgeries and exploitation of tourists who sometimes pay outrageous prices for the parchments.
Archbishop Konrad Krajewski, the papal almoner, announced earlier this year that in the future, all papal blessings will be handled through his office, with all of the receipts from sales going to charity.
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