Pope-related souvenirs do brisk business
NEW YORK - While you may not have seen Pope Francis in person during his first visit to New York, there are plenty of ways to buy a piece of the action on this historic occasion. T-shirts, hats, pins, and flags are just a few of the souvenirs offered this week as Americans enjoyed the presence of the Holy Father. And then there were cutouts purchased for $5 apiece and perfect for selfie-taking.
One of the most popular items? Yes, a pope bobble-head doll, which sold out in the stores we visited. Retailers told Fox 5 they did very well with all the pope merchandise. The dolls made their way onto eBay, complete with "holy styrofoam." But that wasn't all, with one store in Massapequa offering a range of papal memorabilia including books, charms, and, yes, cologne.
And even the pope received a pope souvenir when one onlooker greeted him at JFK Airport with a plush pope eliciting a smile from the pontiff. And as Pope Francis prepared to depart the Big Apple, some were cherishing these last moments taking memories of this moment back home with them.
PHOTOS: Pope Francis in Madison Square Garden
PHOTOS: Pope Francis in Central Park
PHOTOS: Pope Francis visits schoolchildren
PHOTOS: Pope Francis visits 9/11 Memorial
PHOTOS: Pope Francis lands in NYC