The cardinals aren't McLovin' it - McDonald's to open in Vatican City

McDonald's is coming to Vatican City, like it or not. The fast food chain is opening a location next to St. Peter's Basilica, and right underneath the apartments where several cardinals live. The decision to install the eatery is controversial.

LOS ANGELES, CA (California Network) - Several cardinals have protested against the Vatican's plan to open a McDonald's in Vatican City, right next to St. Peter's square.

The chain will pay the Church about $33,000 dollars (30k euros) in monthly rent.

Cardinal Elio Sgreccia wrote a letter to Pope Francis in protest and told the paper, La Repubblica that the decision is "perverse." He added, it is "not at all respectful of the architectural and urban traditions of one of the most characteristic squares overlooking the colonnade of St. Peter visited every day by thousands of pilgrims and tourists."

He argued that the site should be converted to serve the needy, not feed the throngs of tourists visiting the Vatican. )6838 *1 50*59?)

The Cardinal also criticized the traditions of the restaurant chain and the health of its food, accusing the "mega sandwiches" of being damaging to customer's health.

However, the Vatican considers the deal to be legally valid and is so far refusing to break the deal.

It is apparent that unless Pope Francis intervenes, the golden arches will soon grace St. Peter's square, like it or not.

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