VATICAN (CNN) - The pope has ended the sale of most tobacco products inside the Vatican.
Pope Francis says the Vatican will no longer sell cigarettes or most tobacco to employees in 2018.
The Holy See Press Office said that the decision was based on data that showed smoking causes more than 7 million deaths worldwide every year.
In a statement, the office said, "The Holy See cannot contribute to an activity that clearly damages the health of people."
The sale of large cigars will continue for the time being, said Greg Burke of the Holy See Press Office, because the smoke is not inhaled, the Vatican Network reported.
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