Papal flags proving popular for Pope's visit

August 03, 2010

Commemorative replica flags are expected to be the top selling piece of papal memorabilia in the UK for the forthcoming visit to Britain by Pope Benedict in September.

The four-day visit – the first since 1982 – will see the pontiff attend public events in Birmingham, London and Glasgow, with tens of thousands of the estimated five million British members of the Catholic Church expected to attend.

Many more will mark the event with memorablia, with flag manufacturers already noticing a rising demand for bunting. A spokesman for the Catholic church said parishes want to use papal flags to decorate churches, halls and schools.

The flags are some of the more conventional items being sold for the event. Also available will be engraved Swarovski bracelets and electronic flashing candles costing £3. The branding on the items will feature an image of the pope and the trip's motto: "Heart Speaks unto Heart."

Sales are expected to help the local Roman Catholic church cover the costs of the visit, but some worshippers are unhappy at plans to charge to see the Pope at some events.

Commenting on a blog on the website of the Catholic Herald newspaper, one loyal Catholic wrote, "Sometimes it does quite simply feel like Catholics are getting a wee bit shortchanged on this trip, having to pay once through taxes, a second time in the collection and a third time to catch a glimpse of the Holy Father."