Plans to open a McDonald’s next to the Vatican has infuriated cardinals
One cardinal has even written to the Pope imploring him to intervene against the decision which would bring in revenue to the Vatican
PLANS to install a McDonald's next to the Vatican have caused outrage amongst cardinals who think it will diminish the identity of the area.
One annoyed religious leader has even gone so far as to write to Pope Francis asking him to intervene against the decision to bring in a branch of the US chain.
Although the fast-food restaurant would bring in thousands a month in revenue for the Catholic centre, some cardinals think it would come at a too high price.
Cardinal Elio Sgreccia said in an interview with La Repubblica daily: "It's a controversial, perverse decision to say the least."
He added that to open a branch near Saint Peter's Square in Rome is "by no means respectful of the architectural traditions of one of the most characteristic squares which look onto the colonnade of Saint Peters."
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Seven cardinals would live above the 6,000 sq ft site, which if permission is granted, would bringing in 30,000 euros a month to the Vatican's coffers.
Mareno Prospero, head of the committee for the Protection of Borgo, the district around the Vatican where many cardinals live, told the newspaper: "Over the last few years, the identity of this area has been lost due to an increase in illegal souvenir stands and mini markets."
Instead, Cardinal Sgreccia argues the space should be used to house the needy.
But others are less affronted by the proposal, with Cardinal Domenica Calcagno, saying he did not see "anything negative" about it and did not "see scandal".
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