It may be popular with millions of tourists, but cardinals aren't, exactly, lovin' it.
The decision by the Vatican to rent out one of its properties to McDonald's has caused consternation among "princes of the Church" – especially those living in the building – with one reportedly writing to Pope Francis in protest at the world famous golden arches imposing themselves a stone's throw from St Peter's Square.
Already dubbed "McVatican" by some and "a disgrace" by others, the new fast-food 'restaurant' will – unless the plan is scuppered – be located in a Vatican property on the intersection of Rome's Via del Mascherino and Via Borgo Pio, around the corner from St Peter's Basilica.
Criticism centres on both the belief that the American chain's presence would damage the mystique of the Vatican, and that its 'Big Macs', chicken nuggets and French fries go against culinary traditions in the Eternal City.
The Administration of the Patrimony of the Apostolic See (APSA), which oversees the Vatican's assets, decided to rent an empty space to McDonald's for 30,000 euros a month after receiving bids from numerous companies, the Catholic News Agency reported.
But in an interview with the Italian newspaper La Repubblica, the Italian Cardinal Elio Sgreccia, president emeritus of the Pontifical Academy for Life, called the deal "a controversial, perverse decision to say the least."
Cardinal Sgreccia, who is rumoured to have written to the pope, said the move "is not at all respectful of the architectural and urban traditions of one of the most characteristic squares overlooking the colonnade of St. Peter visited every day by thousands of pilgrims and tourists."
He added that the deal is "a business decision that, moreover, ignores the culinary traditions of the Roman restaurant."
Meanwhile, what are perhaps more serious concerns are being expressed about the fates of homeless people who live outside the building in question, and what will happen to them once the chain is opened.
Cardinal Sgraccia told La Repubblica that, as well as being a "disgrace" to hand the property to McDonald's, the area should be used for "activities in defence of the needy in the area, hospitable areas of welcome and help for those who suffer, as the Holy Father teaches."
However, Cardinal Domenico Calcagno, president of APSA, has been unapologetic.
He told La Repubblica on Saturday that everything was done "in respect of the law and that there will be nothing done which will go against the current rules, tradition and interests of the Holy See."
The Cardinal added: "Above all there is respect for the law...[APSA is] not prepared to make any step backward because everything is in order."
Cardinal Calcagno said of the cardinals that "we are free people" and everyone has "the right to express their own views".
He went on: "We can't all be in agreement on everything...I do not see anything negative in this initiative. The technical departments of APSA have felt the offer of the American company executives fair and just. I do not see any scandal."
