Must-have souvenir? A Pope doll

POPE FRANCIS may have taken a vow of celibacy, but that doesn't mean he can't cuddle.

And with the release yesterday of the official - and officially adorable - plush Pope Francis doll for the World Meeting of Families, everyone now has a chance to cuddle with Catholicism's lovable leader.

The pope doll, which will retail for $20, was just one of many official merchandise items unveiled yesterday at a City Hall news conference where Philadelphia-based Aramark was announced as the official retail vendor for the World Meeting of Families and Pope Francis' visit in September.

The merchandise, which ranges from $5 to $500 and includes wine glasses, apparel, backpacks and a host of other items, will be available on the World Meeting of Families website by the end of June. Official merchandise will also be sold at the Pennsylvania Convention Center during the World Meeting of Families congress and at pop-up locations along the Benjamin Franklin Parkway during Francis' visit.

Donna Crilley Farrell, executive director of the World Meeting of Families, said proceeds from the sale of merchandise will go to the World Meeting of Families. She declined to say what fraction of the proceeds Aramark will receive.

"This will help to defray costs but it's not why we're doing it," Farrell said. "When you go to a papal event, at the end, the pope offers a blessing and the tradition is to take items that you want to be blessed."

Gregory DiCocco, one of the owners of the DiCocco Family St. Jude Shop in Havertown, said his store will carry the official World Meeting of Families merchandise along with some unofficial items like pope bobbleheads and Pope Francis tapestries. He said he's already seen an increase in the sale of pope-related keepsakes.

"Our Internet has been processing orders that are pope-memorabilia affiliated, not just from Philadelphia but nationwide and worldwide," DiCocco said. "People are buying them in anticipation so they don't have to worry about obtaining them there."

Carl Mittleman, president of Aramark's sports and entertainment division, said the company expects to build on its merchandise line in the months leading up to September. Those who want to suggest merchandise ideas or carry the official merchandise items can email Aramark at wmofretail@aramark.com.

In addition to announcing the merchandise line, Farrell also unveiled two official paintings created by artist Perry Milou for the World Meeting of Families.

"We wanted to find a spectacular image that would capture this singular moment in history," Farrell said.

One is a portrait of the pope preparing for a kiss and the other is a painting of Pope Francis in front of the Philadelphia Museum of Art with the word "LOVE" featured prominently in the foreground. The images will be featured on posters, shirts and other official merchandise.

Aside from official merchandise, attendees of the World Meeting of Families will be able to stroll through a large marketplace of vendors and exhibitors who will offer religious wares, demonstrations and activities.