McDonald's cooks up controversy with a food outlet in a building belonging to the Catholic Church in Rome - within sight of St Peter's Square.
ADVERTISEMENTMcDonald’s has opened a food outlet in a building belonging to the Vatican in the centre of Rome – within sight of St Peter’s Square.
McDonalds has opened next to the Vatican – and people are NOT lovin’ it https://t.co/LKNY5psNtJ
— Metro (@MetroUK) January 3, 2017
However, a group of cardinals have already had their fill of the fast-food giant – and it has nothing to do with the fact that survey after survey has suggested the US giant’s golden arches are more recognisable than the cross
The concerns are practical, not moral.
Italian media say the protesting prelates say they were not consulted about the site of the new restaurant, which has already been dubbed “McVatican”.
They say they will also have to help pay for building work to make sure the site conforms to needs and regulations.
It's a
McDonalds</a> next door to the Vatican. But it's nice to see something going into this space that's been vacant for years. <a href="https://t.co/tFD8FU58pq">pic.twitter.com/tFD8FU58pq</a></p>— Mountain Butorac (MountainButorac) December 27, 2016
McDonalds around corner from St Peter's sq, open for business in Vatican-owned building, despite resident protests pic.twitter.com/MW6JYVNNrJ
— Sylvia Poggioli (@spoggioli1) December 31, 2016
McDonalds at the Vatican? https://t.co/qufOn0EMDx Thank God wifi is available.
— Stewart Perry (@StewartDPerry) January 3, 2017
Monthly rent
Media reports suggest the Vatican will collect a monthly rent of 30,000 from the US food giant for the building, which is sited just outside the Vatican State itself.
It will be open from 0630 am to 2300 pm.
Cardinal Elio Sgreccia, president emeritus of the Pontifical Academy for Life, described it as “abhorrent” and a “perversion of the neighbourhood”.