Pope Benedict XVI's Election Spurs Market in Baubles and Bling

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Pope Benedict XVI's Election Spurs Market in Baubles and Bling
May 4 (Bloomberg) -- Inside the Galleria San Pietro, a souvenir shop just off St. Peter's Square, salesman Carlo is busy cutting out photos of the new pope.

The snapshots of Benedict XVI are fitted next to those of his predecessor John Paul II in wooden mini-frames marked ``Ricordo di Roma'' (``Souvenir of Rome'') and priced at 6 euros ($7.75).

``You've got to give the customer something, invent new gadgets,'' says Carlo, snipping away at the papal pictures as a Filippina nun sifts through others on the counter.

By the cash register, a pair of Scottish women hold baskets filled with rosary beads and postcards. ``You got the new pope?'' asks one. ``Ay,'' says the other.



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