Amid the alarming rise of unofficial papal-themed merchandise around the world, the Vatican is taking measures to protect the image of the Holy See.

"The secretary of state will undertake systematic surveillance aimed at monitoring the way in which the image of the Holy Father and the emblems of the Holy See are used, intervening with opportune measures when necessary," the city-state declared in a statement.

The decision targets businesses and individuals who profit from the unauthorized mass production of papal-themed items in a bid to "stop situations of illegality that may be discovered."

Pope Francis' popularity grew significantly in the previous months due to his international travel ventures and global addresses. His fame spurned the increase of religious-themed souvenirs around the world particularly in the countries he visited.

The Vatican's cause of worry stems from reports of labor abuse associated with the production of papal-themed merchandise and the public's perception that they are making money out of these commercial activities.

The church has received reports regarding the improper usage of the papal image around the world; however, actions were taken at random.

Thus, Vatican officials are taking measures to protect the city-state's intellectual properties, which include pictures of Pope Francis and the images of the Holy See's crossed key emblem.

"The pope's image rights are no different from those of any other famous celebrity and so it's not surprising that the Vatican is giving notice that it will protect its (intellectual property) rights as necessary," Nick Kounoupias from a London-based intellectual property consulting firm, told Associated Press. "What will be interesting to see, however, is how vigorously these rights are pursued, given who the IP owner is," he added.

Critics point out that the Vatican's decision may be a bid to erase commercial competition given that the city-state itself produces and sells papal-themed souvenirs.

Vatican officials have secured the services of Baker Mckenzie, an international law firm, to assist them in their legal venture. Aside from that, Vatican has yet to release details of their measures against the unauthorized usage of the city-state's intellectual properties.