Pope Leo XIV once again appeared at the window of the papal apartment overlooking St. Peter's Square in Vatican City Photo: Vatican Media

How Rome transformed the death of a pope and the election of a new pope into an economic engine worth millions of euros

The spending patterns followed predictably religious rhythms: modest daily budgets, but massive collective impact. With an average daily spend of 120 euros per person—including accommodation, meals, transport, souvenirs, and miscellaneous donations—Rome’s economy surged. Hotels and short-term rentals brought in between 114 and 144 million euros. Restaurants saw revenues spike by as much as 40%, with estimates of 45.6 to 57.6 million euros in dining-related income

Israel blocks entry of popemobile-turned-ambulance donated by Pope Francis to Gaza

The vehicle, transformed with medical equipment and child-friendly interiors, was a final gesture of solidarity from the late Pope Francis before his death in April 2025. He entrusted it to Caritas Jerusalem with a simple but powerful mission: to reach Gaza’s youngest and most vulnerable—those wounded not only in body, but in spirit.