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Pope's NYC Visit Sets Off Hot Memorabilia Pursuit

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Apr 18, 2008 4:59 pm US/Eastern

Pope's NYC Visit Sets Off Hot Memorabilia Pursuit

By CBS News Reporter Alexis Christoforous
NEW YORK (CBS) ― The pope's visit has sent many on a religious mission – to find a souvenir to remember his historic trip! From bumper stickers and t-shirts, to baseball caps and mugs; the faithful are clamoring to get a piece of the pope.

"We got a rosary, a prayer card and a bumper sticker for the car," said John Messina.

At a Catholic bookstore in New York, Pope Benedict XVI's U.S. visit has business booming.

"Sales have risen, probably, at least 50 percent. He has brought a spiritual healing and a financial fulfillment," said Neil Fusco, owner of Mt. Carmel Catholic Book Shop.

From $2 key chains $120 medallions, some of the proceeds from the licensed merchandise is going to help pay for the pope's visit.

"I thought the pope memorabilia would be more memorable just because it's a once in a lifetime experience," said one faithful in search of pope memorabilia.

From the religious to the irreverent, pope paraphernalia abounds, even unlicensed souvenirs on the Internet have been big sellers, including a Pope Benedict Bobble head. And in the bookstore, not far from the bibles, there's even pope potpourri.

"We have people that are not Catholic coming in. Christians from all other faiths are asking about the pope, the pope, the pope," said Fusco.

(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)

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