Fake “holy gimmicks” – Vatican loses revenue

Deutsch

The Vatican lost a good half a million euros in revenue due to counterfeit “souvenirs”. A flood of imitation rosaries and other “holy gimmicks” from China are giving clergy headaches.

Fake “holy” paraphernalia

The counterfeiters and imitators stop at nothing. Not even the Vatican is immune to the flood of imitations of their beloved and sacred “blessedness” products. A number of souvenir shops have set up around the Vatican. Of course, equipped with all sorts of “saints and figures”, small pendants, lucky charms, patron saints and also rosaries. The latter are now angry at the Vatican because “fakes” have actually appeared.

The souvenir shops for “sacred” items are a pure gold mine. So right at the source of one of the main homes for pilgrims and tourists. The discovery of counterfeit rosaries is particularly painful, as the “Holy Year 2025” is now approaching, when a good 30 million visitors are expected.

Imitations from China

Italy’s financial police have confiscated more than 100,000 fake images of the Pope, medals and rosaries (Source). Counterfeit because these products were not certified by the Vatican, including the license fees, but found their way into stores directly from China. Those responsible are said to be Chinese citizens.

Almost all confiscated products were marked with the Vatican trademark and the holy year 2025. Even small Madonnas with holy water fonts and the papal tiara are said to have been incorrectly given the label. These products were offered at up to ten times the price of the production costs. The Vatican suffered damage amounting to around half a million euros due to lost income.

The Second Commandment would be fatal

The business of at least potentially violating the Second Commandment (Exodus 20:4-6) is flourishing. A commandment that, according to the Roman Catholic Church, is not even taught (Info). “You shall not make for yourself an image…” If this is followed, the Vatican’s income from this business area would be permanently interrupted. An “absurdity” for the “apostolic institution”.

Apparently a rosary is only effective if the papal seal is an original and the purchase price has been prorated into one’s own coffers. A beaded string from China apparently cannot fulfill the magic of the Marian mantra (Info).

This church no longer wants to have to endure something like Martin Luther’s business-damaging actions against the indulgence seller John Tetzel.

Bible verses from King James Version (1611)