Papal vestments and their meaning
Papal vestments serve both practical and symbolic purposes. Although the first priests subscribed to secular dress, Celestine I rebuked the practice in 429. As a result, the priests adopted the dress of early Roman antiquity. This turned out to be an important decision as the lack of photographs and portraits meant that the faithful had no way of recognizing their religious leaders. Clothing, jewelry, and insignia adorned with royal symbols and colors signified that the Pope was an important religious authority. Although Catholic vestments are similar to papal vestments, certain enhancements indicate the pope’s elevated status over ordinary priests.
Formal outfit
The Pope wears vestments similar to those worn by other clerics, but several additions signify the Pope’s high status. Only the Pope reserves the right to wear the pallium, which is the wide circular band of white wool decorated with six crosses. The canopy sits loosely around the neck and is secured in place with gold pins. Although most Popes use the pallium symmetrically, Pope Benedict XVI chose to use it asymmetrically just like the Eastern Orthodox churches. The fanon is the double-layered poncho worn under the canopy. The priests wear the lower layer of the fanon during the mass. The mantum, or papal cloak, is a decorative open cloak that falls open over the chest and is secured with a clasp known as a morse. The mantum is reserved for the Pope and can be red or white. Previous Popes wore skirts, but their use has ceased to be practiced. The skirt is a skirt that extends beyond the other garments; its length required a footman to stand in front of and behind the Pope to lift it up so that the Pope could walk. It has not been used since the 1960s.
The tradition of red papal shoes dates back to the red boots worn by secular Roman rulers. The Pope is the only clergy allowed to wear red shoes or slippers. Pope John Paul II and Pope Francis eschewed red shoes in favor of brown shoes.
Popes have 22 tiaras designated for their use; however, the use of the tiara ceased to be practiced in 1963 with Pope Paul VI. Instead, Popes wear the three-tiered crown during coronation and the miter at other formal ceremonies. The three-tiered crown is found on the papal coat of arms. The miter is the crown of white cloth with spikes at the front and back that resembles the priestly veils of the Old Testament. The miter is a symbol of priestly authority.
Casual clothing
While the ordinary clergy wear black on informal occasions, the informal papal vestments are white. The Pope wears a white siman, which is like a cassock or tunic, with a short-shouldered cape. The siman is fastened above the waist with a wide strip of fringed cloth. The stripe is always on the left side and may bear the papal coat of arms. He may wear a mozzetta, which is a short red cape that buttons up the front. The cape is red satin in summer and red velvet in winter. The mozzetta is made of twill during Lent and is white during Easter. A pectoral cross suspended from a gold cord is always worn with informal clothing.
The Pope wears the zucchetto during ordinary acts. This is the white skullcap that is similar to a yarmulke. When the weather calls for heavier hats, the camauro replaces the zucchetto. It is like a zucchetto but covers the ears and is made of red wool or velvet and trimmed with white ermine. It is similar to the hats worn by ancient academics. The use of the camauro fell out of use for several years until Pope Benedict XVI restored it to use.
In private life, the Pope wears the cappello romano. This is a hat with a shallow crown and a wide brim. Its resemblance to the planet Saturn has led the hat to also be known as the saturn. The saturn is never worn during official duties or during religious services.
Accessories
The Fisherman’s Ring is given to the Pope by the Camerlango of the Holy Roman Church after the election. The gold ring represents Saint Peter in a boat pulling his net and is surrounded by the name of the Pope. The Pope wears the ring until his death, at which time the Cardinal Chamberlain destroys it with a hammer. The Fisherman’s Ring was traditionally used to seal public documents and papal writings.
The Pope wears the papal ferula, which is the staff topped by the crucifix. It is similar to a bishop’s staff. An umbracle, which is a red and gold striped canopy resembling an elaborate umbrella, is often carried over the pope. It is believed to have originated as a way to keep the heat of the Roman sun off the religious official.