Pope Benedict will be visiting Washington DC on April 16th. People seem to get very excited when the Pope is in town, which I guess explains the market for souvenirs to commemorate this event. But seriously, who buys some of this stuff?

To me (a lapsed Catholic), a reasonable and appropriate souvenir for this occasion would be a bible perhaps, or rosary beads, even a framed photo of the Pope. Wrong. Expect to buy:

• Pope Benedict bobblehead: $12.95
• Pope on a Rope soap: $9.99
• The Pope’s cologne: $25.95
• “Property of Pope Benedict XVI” tee shirt: $18

Admittedly, I might be interested in some of these things, although definitely not for the reason the Archdiocese intended. I suspect the majority of purchasers are of the same mindset, because I really doubt my grandmother would buy any of the above items.

Some more unbelievable numbers: the cost of the Pope’s visit to the District ($3 million) and the revenue generated by Christian merchandise ($4 to $6 billion per year).

Is anyone making the trip down to DC for this next Wednesday? Me, I think I’ll just buy a t-shirt on E-bay and say I was there.

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