Whenever the Pope goes...well, anywhere, there's going to be a lot of hoopla that arrives with him. As Pope Francis kicks off his first-ever visit to the United States, people have been designing an array of bizarre Papal merchandise to sell, showcase, and cash-in on during the first U.S. papal visit in the last seven years.
Like an international rockstar, people have created a bevy of bootleg Pope-themed T-shirts. This movement is particularly strong in Philadelphia, with T-shirts featuring everything from a praying Pope Francis, to a Philadelphia Eagles-themed Pope Francis logo flip. Perhaps the most unique (or, strangely Philadelphia-relevant) T-shirt is the one debating which cheesesteak is better: Pat's or Geno's.
#popeisdope #popeswag #popeadelphia #PopeInPhilly #whoamitojudge
A photo posted by Pope is Dope Philly (@popeisdopephilly) on Sep 5, 2015 at 6:30am PDT
If none of those T-shirts get your attention, head over to "popeisdopephilly"'s Instagram page; a brand clearly flourishing off the papal visit to The City of Brotherly Love.
But without a doubt, the most bizarre Pope-themed tie-in has to be "The Pope's Cologne"—perfect for when you're fresh out of holy water.
A photo posted by Lalaine ER (@lalaineer) on Sep 21, 2015 at 7:14pm PDT
Of course, the novelties don't stop there; with merchandise spanning everything from baseballs to bobbleheads.
A photo posted by Emily M Wolfson (@unforgettaballs) on Sep 21, 2015 at 9:39am PDT
A video posted by Scott Stein (@getscots) on Aug 31, 2015 at 4:57am PDT
We're not really sure if the notably modest Pope Francis would approve of people cashing in on his likeness, but hey—*pops Popecorn*.
A photo posted by MoJo's Pop Co (@mojospopco) on Sep 19, 2015 at 7:46am PDT
