McDonald’s opens in Holy See despite protests

2017年3月14日

Expert

 
The ubiquitous fast-food chain McDonald’s currently has almost 40,000 locations worldwide. Recently, their newest restaurant opened at the most unthinkable location: within the jurisdiction of the Holy See, near St. Peter’s Square. The announcement of plans to open the restaurant last October was opposed by cardinals.

It was said that tenants in the Vatican-owned building would cover the cost to accommodate McDonald’s which was later disclaimed by the Administration of the Patrimony of the Apostolic See (APAS). Cardinal Elio Sgreccia reported to La Repubblica that the establishment of McDonald’s was inconsiderate with tradition and industry. Cardinal Domenix Calcagana, the head of APAS, approved the occupancy of McDonald’s saying that there is nothing scandalous about it. APAS shall charge 30,000 euros monthly from McDonald’s, which will be open seven days a week.
 
Vocabulary:
ubiquitous- [adjective] being present everywhere
jurisdiction- [noun] a place under control by law
disclaimed- [verb] deny
inconsiderate- [adjective] impolite
occupancy- [noun] tenancy
 
True or False:

  1. McDonald’s currently has almost 40,000 locations nationwide.
  2. The area near St. Peter’s Square is outside the jurisdiction of the Holy See.
  3. The cardinals agreed to the plan of opening of Mcdonald’s last October.
  4. APAS stands for Administration of the Patrimony of the Apostolic See.
  5. McDonald’s will be open even on Sundays.

 
Express your opinion:

  1. Do you think some places should be preserved from modernization?
  2. What do you think made McDonalds’ a ubiquitous fast-food chain?
  3. Which would you prefer: fast food or home-cooked meals? Why?

 
Defend your argument:

  1. Do you think the area around the Holy See is suitable for a fast-food chain? Why or why not?
  2. Do you agree with the cardinals’ opposition? Why or why not?
  3. Do you think Cardinal Domenix Calcagana made the right decision to let McDonald’s in the Holy See? Why or why not?
  4. What if a fast-food chain opens in a sacred place near you. Will you agree to its opening? Why or why not?
  5. Do you think fast-foods can easily replace traditional foods? Why or why not?