"Another piece gone"

Protest against Burger King branch near St. Peter’s Square

(Bild: AP)

The fast food giant Burger King is planning to open a branch in the immediate vicinity of St. Peter's Square and the Vatican Museums in Rome. This plan has sparked fierce protests among residents. 

The fast food chain wants to open a store at Porta Cavalleggeri, only around 350 meters from St. Peter's Square, reported the Roman daily newspaper "La Repubblica" on Thursday. 

Burgers instead of books
The branch is to move into the Maraldi bookshop, which has been closed for a long time, reports the Italian newspaper "La Repubblica".

"How sad"
"Burger King is eating up the historic bookshop in the city center. Another piece gone. How sad," the newspaper quotes a local resident. Many of them fear negative effects on traffic and an even greater influx of tourists in the area. 

According to "La Repubblica", however, there are also positive voices saying: "Better a restaurant chain than closed-down stores".

McDonald's opened a branch in 2016
In 2016, McDonald's opened a controversial branch not far from the Vatican despite protests from local residents and cardinals. This fast food outlet is located in a building owned by the Papal States, which rents out the premises. This had also angered some cardinals. Joseph Ratzinger lived a stone's throw away before he was elected Pope Benedict XVI.

Overpriced prices
At least 30 million pilgrims are expected in Rome for the Catholic Year of the Church 2025, which begins on December 24, 2024, under the motto "Pilgrims of Hope". The city is preparing for the onslaught of believers, but residents have concerns. They complain about too many fast food outlets and vacation apartments as well as overpriced restaurants.