The papal vestments and their significance
Papal vestments have both practical and symbolic purposes. Although the early priests adhered to secular dress, Celestine I rebuked the practice in 429. As a result, the priests adopted clothing from early Roman antiquity. This was 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 ornaments adorned with royal symbols and colors signified the Pope as an important religious authority. Although Catholic vestments are similar to papal vestments, certain enhancements indicate the elevated status of the Pope over ordinary priests.
Formal clothing
The Pope wears vestments similar to those worn by other clergymen, but various additions signify the high status of the Pope. Only the Pope reserves the right to wear the canopy, which is the wide circular band of white wool decorated with six crosses. The canopy fits 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 in tune with the Eastern Orthodox churches. The dewlap is the double-layered poncho that looks like a cape worn under the canopy. Priests wear the lower layer of the double chin during mass. The mantum, or papal cloak, is a decorative open cloak that opens across 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 fallen out of practice. The skirt is a skirt that extends beyond the other garments; its length required a lackey to stand in front of and behind the pope to lift and the pope to be able to 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 avoided red shoes in favor of brown shoes.
Popes have 22 designated tiaras for their use; however, the use of the tiara ceased to be practiced in 1963 with Pope Paul VI. Instead, the Popes wear the three-tiered crown during coronation and the miter in other formal ceremonies. The three-tiered crown is found on the papal coat of arms. The miter is the white cloth crown with spikes in the front and back that resembles the Old Testament priestly head coverings. The miter is a symbol of priestly authority.
Informal clothing
While the common clergy dress in black during informal occasions, the informal papal garments are white. The Pope wears a white siman, which is like a cassock or tunic, with a short cape for the shoulders. The siman is fastened above the waist with a wide strip of fringed cloth. The stripe is always on the left side and can bear the papal coat of arms. You can wear a mozzetta, which is a short red cape that fastens in 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 uses the zucchetto during ordinary events. This is the white cap that is similar to a kippah. When the weather calls for heavier hats, the camauro replaces the zucchini. It is like a zucchini but covers the ears and is made of red wool or velvet and adorned with white ermine. It is similar to the hats that ancient academics wore. The use of the camauro was out of use for several years until Pope Benedict XVI restored it for use.
During private life, the Pope wears the Roman cappello. This is a hat with a shallow crown and wide brim. Its resemblance to the planet Saturn has led the hat to be also known as Saturn. 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 on a boat casting his net and is surrounded by the name of the Pope. The Pope wears the ring until his death, at which point 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 splint, which is the staff crowned by the crucifix. It is similar to a bishop’s staff. An umbraculum, which is a red and gold striped canopy that resembles an elaborate umbrella, is often carried over the pope. It is believed that it originated as a way to keep the religious official away from the burning Roman sun.