Cardinals resent plan for McDonald’s near St. Peter’s Square
October 14, 2016
A group of cardinals has objected to plans for a McDonald’s restaurant in the Borgio Pio, just steps from St. Peter’s Square.
Residents fear that the fast-food restaurant would dramatically change the historic character of the Borgo Pio. But the ANSA news service reports that some cardinals have another reason for opposing the development: the McDonald’s franchise would be located in a Vatican-owned building, and prelates who live in the same complex are being asked to help pay for the renovations needed to accommodate the restaurant.
The potential McDonald’s site is operated by the Administration of the Patrimony of the Holy See (APSA), the office that handles Vatican real-estate investments. APSA has been heavily criticized in recent months, with Italian media outlets airing charges of inefficiency, corruption, and mismanagement. The restaurant would reportedly bring in much more rent than other potential tenants.
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Posted by: Cincinnatus -
Oct. 15, 2016 3:53 AM ET USA
Huh? The Cardinals' building (Benedict lived there as a Cardinal) already has, in addition to a number of trinket shops, three fast food restaurants that Mickey D's would compete with. One side faces a small square that features a non-working public toilet. The opposite side faces the unsightly entrance to an underground garage. Another side is all-season sidewalk lodging for various by-choice street people. The Cardinals don't seem to mind all that. Historic character? I don't think so!
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Posted by: loumiamo -
Oct. 14, 2016 8:18 PM ET USA
I suspect if Mickey Dee's promised never to use any genetically modified products, and promised never to filter through the Vatican any of its filthy profits that come at the expense of the poor, that Francis himself would spearhead the effort to get the holy friars manning the deep fryers just in time for Christmas.
