Pope dolls, bobble heads up for sale months before US visit

PHILADELPHIA (AP) -- Pope Francis is a doll. No, really.

The people organizing the pontiff's September visit to Philadelphia launched an online store Wednesday featuring papal plush dolls and bobble heads.

The World Meeting of Families website features posters, T-shirts and life-sized cutouts depicting the 78-year-old Francis in his trademark white cassock and zucchetto.

The pope's nine-day visit to the U.S. and Cuba ends with a two-day stop in Philadelphia on Sept. 26-27.

He's scheduled to visit inmates, speak on religious freedom and immigration, and celebrate Mass with an anticipated crowd of more than 1 million people.

The World Meeting of Families partnered with retail vendor Aramark on the online store.

Among the other items for sale: drink coozies and travel mugs featuring the World Meeting logo and My First Rosary baby toys.

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