Rome raises prices sky-high
2005-04-04 17:40
Rome - Hotels, restaurants and bars neighbouring St Peter's Square are hiking prices to take advantage of the influx of mourners after the death of Pope John Paul II, a Rome consumers' group complained on Monday.
The association, Codacons, said in a statement it had received complaints from people "denouncing certain hotels, bars and restaurants in the St Peter's Square area that have raised their prices over the past hours".
"It is a sad gesture," Codacons added, and called on authorities to impose sanctions on the culprits.
The pope died late on Saturday in his Vatican apartment after 26 years as head of the Roman Catholic Church.
His funeral, which will be held on Friday morning, is expected to draw up to two million people as well as 200 state and religious leaders.
- AFP