Photos: Gearing up for Pope Francis

(WTOP/Nick Ianelli)
Pope Francis is expected to hold a canonization mass at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception on Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2015. To prepare, the shrine is stocking its gift shop wtih papal merchandise. (WTOP/Nick Ianelli)
(WTOP/Nick Ianelli)
This Pope Francis statue is one of the many items for sale at the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception’s gift shop. (WTOP/Nick Ianelli)
(WTOP/Nick Ianelli)
As part of his U.S. tour, Pope Francis is expected to hold a canonization mass at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception on Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2015. The shrine is stocking its gift shop wtih special merchandise in honor of the pope’s visit. (WTOP/Nick Ianelli)
(WTOP/Nick Ianelli)
These stuffed animals are for sale at the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in D.C. Pope Francis is expected to hold a canonization mass at the shrine on Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2015. (WTOP/Nick Ianelli)
 (WTOP/Nick Ianelli)
The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception is selling T-shirts, photos paintings and other special merchandize in anticipation of Pope Francis’ visit to D.C. (WTOP/Nick Ianelli)
(WTOP/Nick Ianelli)
The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception is preparing for Pope Francis’ visit to D.C. by stocking its gift shop with special papal goods, such as these coffee mugs. WTOP/Nick Ianelli) (WTOP/Nick Ianelli)
(WTOP/Nick Ianelli)
These mugs are for sale at the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in D.C. Pope Francis is expected to hold a canonization mass at the shrine on Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2015. (WTOP/Nick Ianelli)
(WTOP/Nick Ianelli)
The National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception’s gift shop is selling special papal merchandise — like these crucifixes — in preparation for Pope Francis’ visit to D.C. (WTOP/Nick Ianelli)
(WTOP/Nick Ianelli)
The National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception’s gift shop is stocking up on items like this Pope Francis figurine. (WTOP/Nick Ianelli)
(WTOP/Nick Ianelli)
Holy water is one of many items you’ll find for sale at the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception’s gift shop, in anticipation of Pope Francis’ visit to D.C. (WTOP/Nick Ianelli)
(WTOP/Nick Ianelli)
Paintings, such as the one shown here, are for sale at the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in D.C. (WTOP/Nick Ianelli)
(WTOP/Nick Ianelli)
Amy Maloney, director of retail at the national shrine shops, says the shrine is excited about the pope’s visit and has been gearing up with special papal merchandise. “We know that everyone loves to see Pope Francis’ smiling face,” Maloney says. (WTOP/Nick Ianelli)
(WTOP/Nick Ianelli)
Items, such as these rosaries, are being sold at the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception gift shop in D.C., in anticipation of the pope’s visit. (WTOP/Nick Ianelli)
This mini popemobile is being sold at the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception gift shop in D.C., in anticipation of Pope Francis’ visit. (WTOP/Nick Ianelli)
Pope Francis is expected to hold a canonization mass at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception on Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2015. To prepare, the shrine is stocking its gift shop wtih papal merchandise. (WTOP/Nick Ianelli)
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WASHINGTON — The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception is preparing for Pope Francis’ visit by stocking its gift shop with special papal merchandise.

The shrine is selling photos, T-shirts, coffee mugs and even a miniature popemobile, among other things.

“It’s been a pleasure and a joy to be creating things that are going to commemorate Pope Francis’ visit to the U.S. and particularly to the shrine,” says Amy Maloney, director of retail at the national shrine shops.

“We know that everyone loves to see Pope Francis’ smiling face,” Maloney says.

The pope will hold a canonization mass at the shine on Sept. 23.

Nick Iannelli

Nick Iannelli can be heard covering developing and breaking news stories on WTOP.

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