In a controversial move, a McDonald’s has opened right outside of Vatican City and some locals in Rome as well as some within the Catholic Church are not pleased.
People around Rome as well as local restaurant owners aren’t happy that an international fast food chain is coming into a tourist area that slowly and slowly chips away at the uniqueness of Rome and local cuisine. McDonald’s also isn’t the only international chain restaurant to open near the Vatican. A Hard Rock Cafe also opened nearby, which replaced a religious bookstore.
Some within the Vatican are also not pleased. Most vocal was Cardinal Elio Sgreccia, who took offense to the unhealthy food and sharp contast with the aesthetics of the centuries old buildings.
In addition to calling it a “disgrace,” Sgreccia said this was “not at all respectful of the architectural and urban traditions of one of the most characteristic squares overlooking the colonnade of St. Peter.”
Despite that, the Vatican approved the lease for McDonald’s to open and is going to be receiving $31,000 a month in rent. Also when McDonald’s opened last week, nobody protested the restaurant. So, maybe this wasn’t that big of a deal for most people. A lot of people feel that when it comes to issues facing the Catholic Church, there are many more important issues to address than a McDonald’s opening up outside the Vatican. And that is certainly true.