Toilet Paper in Vatican Colors on Sale Ahead of Papal Visit

Renova, one of Europe's biggest producers of household paper products, has launched toilet paper in the colors of the Vatican flag in honor of Pope Benedict XVI's visit to Spain next week.

Each pack contains two perfumed rolls of toilet paper, one yellow and the other white, which the company says on its online store can be used as giant streamers to welcome the 84-year-old pontiff to Madrid.

"Is there any better way to liven up the streets than using these large streamers with the Vatican’s color-scheme? Open your windows to celebrate! Welcome Pope Benedict!" the company says on the site.

The 10,000 packs which the company has made cost 2.76 euros ($3.94) each and they feature a "I heart the Pope" logo that use a red heart symbol.

They are for sale in Renova's online store in the toilet paper section but the company's marketing director Luis Saramago said they should be seen as "giant streamers that could be used as toilet paper."

"We are all very sensitive to color. It is our way to contribute to the joy which will certainly be associated to this event," he added.

The pope will arrive in Madrid on August 18 to attend the last four days of the six-day World Youth Day celebrations.

More than one million faithful are expected to flock to the Spanish capital for the Roman Catholic Church's youth festivities.

Nearly 150 groups, including feminist and gay organizations, that oppose Pope Benedict's visit plan to protest on August 17 on the eve of his arrival.

Renova, based in Torres Novas located some 100 kilometers (60 miles) north of the Portuguese capital Lisbon, has a history of introducing novelty household products.

Among the items it has made in the past is toilet paper with moisturizing lotion, multi-colored paper towels and black toilet paper.