Pontifical Product Placement

Apparently, the Pope Benedict XVI likes his nice things. And advertisers are eating it up.

Whatever he's wearing, be it shiny shoes or designer sunglasses- marketers feel that being seen with the Pope scored more points than Britney Spears. Of course, it's not really possible to sign million dollar contracts with the leader of the Roman Catholic Church, so companies are playing it cool- sending samples of their product. Should it end up on CNN, all the better.

The Wall Street Journal wrote an article which inspired the above blog post, stating a few more items from the holy closet. The Pope has been seen wearing Serengeti-branded sunglasses, red loafers from Prada, and an Ipod Nano engraved with "To His Holiness, Benedict XVI". The pope is unable to solicit donations and brands are exceedingly careful in their attempts to benefit from his fashion choices- it could appear opportunistic.

And again- the more important question: What kind of music is on his ipod?