Catholic Church backs new bar

A new bar in Lille has opened with the backing of the Catholic Church following a call from Pope Francis asking the church to “think outside the square”.

Pope Francis. Photo credit Natacha Pisarenko

As reported by Wine-Searcher, launched in the northern French city this month, Bar Cana – so named after the famous biblical wedding – was created by the diocese in an effort to reach a younger audience.

The project has been two years in the planning, including financial backing from the church and follows on from the Pope’s call for the church to be more innovative in its pastoral duties.

The bar will also be carrying out good works, for example whenever a customer buys a coffee they will buy two, the second being paid forward for someone who can’t afford it.

Other ecclesiastical flourishes include all of the beers being produced by abbeys and monasteries, a carafe of wine is referred to as a “Madonna” and the wifi password is “Deo Gratias”.