From bobblehead dolls to toasters, Pope Francis kitsch

Friday, October 2nd, 2015

In Philadelphia in the runup to the Pope’s visit you could buy a mozzarella bust of Pope Francis, a bobblehead doll of the pontiff sporting boxing gloves and holding a Philly cheesesteak and a soft pretzel, a plush doll in his likeness and T-shirts that combine Francis with other beloved Philly icons like Rocky Balboa, Robert Indiana’s Love sculpture and baseball’s Phillies.

In New York City, there was pope kitsch on sale but it was more subdued.

Chiarelli’s, a Brooklyn-based store that sells church supplies and gifts, had a modest online selection of mugs, prayer cards and banners (also available in Spanish) that acknowledge Francis’ stop in New York City. Read more

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News category: Odd Spot.

Tags: kitch, Pope

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