The power of place-makers and merchants: Papal and Marian items in the political economy of pilgrimage

Based on two field studies the micro level of items which place-makers and merchants display at holy sites, an argument about supply side political economy pilgrimage is proposed. Place-makers rely established pilgrims’ traditions but differ concerning innovations. are principals sites invest in innovations order to secure site’s long-term performance. Merchants short-term purchase decisions pilgrims. They prefer tried tested products look for novelties fits pattern success. While resilience placemakers demonstrate power side, cautiousness hints its limits. Rome during Francis’Jubilee Mercy Bavarian Marian shrine Altötting years after resignation Pope Benedict XVI case illustrate these claims perspective papal pilgrimage.