New Jersey Pizzeria Refuses To Use Pizza Boxes With Pope Francis's Face On Them

Pope Francis will visit the East Coast this month from September 22 to 27. Many restaurants in Philadelphia and New Jersey are preparing for his visit with special offerings, such as the "You Only Pope Once Beer" and a selection of pope cheeses. But a New Jersey pizzeria isn't so keen on having pizza boxes that depict Pope Francis.

Anthony Marino, owner of Marino's Pizza in Mullica Hill, sent the pope pizza boxes right back to Savona-Stavola Food Packaging in West Deptford, New Jersey.

Marino told NJ.com that he is Roman Catholic, but believes that the pope would not approve of such promotions. He does not believe that it's right or tasteful to have his face on the pizza boxes. The boxes say "Welcome Pope Francis" and "Philadelphia 2015," and feature the Philadelphia skyline.

Amanda Farese, marketing director at Savona-Stavola, told NorthJersey.com that the company wanted to do something fun to celebrate the pope's visit, noting that they believe people will frequent the pizzeria just to get the boxes. Marino disagreed, also objecting to the fact that the boxes would eventually be thrown away.