ItalyUpdate

BELLUNO PATENTS POPE'S IMAGE

The town of Belluno in Veneto, birthplace of Pope John Paul 1 whose month-long  pontificate came to an abrupt end in 1978, due to his sudden and unexpected death, has approved a town council ruling patenting the Popes image and regulating its use. Belluno has registered the measure with the local Chamber of Commerce. Use of the image of the Pope (born Albino Luciani) will be limited to products produced by local firms, such as biscuits, wine, cakes and bags.