Reuters
Wed Mar 2, 2005 1:32 PM GMT
VATICAN CITY (Reuters) - The Pope's stay in hospital, and his absence from the Vatican, is hitting sales of trinkets and keepsakes which usually enjoy a roaring trade around St Peter's Square, souvenir sellers say.
While pilgrims from as far away as Poland and the United States gathered outside the Gemelli hospital hoping to catch a glimpse of Pope John Paul, who is recovering from a throat operation, the Vatican City remained relatively quiet.
"The Pope's presence is important -- more people come and we work more," said one street merchant on who sells rosaries, postcards and pillboxes embossed with images of St Peter's Basilica in front of the massive church.
Usually Wednesdays, like Sundays, bring a busy trade from Catholics who come to hear the Pope's weekly general audience, but the lack of people meant a drop in sales said the hawker, who gave his name as Remo.
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