McDonald's Opens Near the Vatican

You have to hand it to McDonald's. Its global brand efforts truly know no bounds. The franchise is even willing to run afoul of one of the world's most prominent religious institutions: the Catholic Church.

Tiziana Fabi

Last week, the Golden Arches opened a new location right outside Vatican City -- in a building that is owned by the Vatican. After touring St. Peter's Basilica, tourists can take in more sacred sights with Big Macs in hand.

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The move displeased Roman Catholic Church leadership. In October, a cardinal named Elio Sgreccia told La Repubblica that the restaurant chain's presence in the area would be "a disgrace," asserting that the building would be better used to aid the less fortunate. He expressed distaste for the food, too, considering it an affront to the region's "culinary tradition."

But McDonald's soon won't be the only restaurant chain near the Vatican. A Hard Rock Cafe location was approved recently as well, according to DW. Before long, the area around St. Peter's Square might start to look a little like the Las Vegas strip.