The Vatican ushered in the euro without a hitch yesterday but used its introduction to increase prices for a papal blessing and for entry to the Vatican museums.
The cost of a papal blessing, which is a certificate signed by Pope John Paul II and bears the official Vatican stamp, rose 46 cent to €3 (£2.36).
The increase is unlikely to deter the Roman Catholic faithful who flock to the Vatican in their millions each year.
The certificate is a big seller in Vatican souvenir shops and the money is donated to the poor through the Holy See.
There were long queues of pilgrims at the Vatican yesterday, which officials said was partly due to the number of visitors at this time of year but also because the euro introduction was slowing things up at cash registers.
The Vatican uses Italian-struck euro and was well prepared for the launch. The cost of visiting its museums increased by €0.75 to €10 and a visit to the famed cupola of St Peter's Basilica will cost €5 for those taking the lift, a rise of around €1, and €4 for those taking the stairs.
