It’s an image we’ve grown used to: the pope dressed in white. Unlike other priests and bishops, the successor of Peter is always entirely in this color, but why?
RAMÓN NAVARRO
Director, Episcopal Commission for the Liturgy (CEE)
The Pope wears white because of a historical contingency. Saint Pius V was a Dominican, and when he became Pope, he decided to keep his habit, and that’s why the Pope wears white. Later, all kinds of allegorical interpretations were added: purity, etc. But really, that’s the reason.
However, before Pope Pius V established this custom, there were already some elements of papal attire that are still preserved today.
RAMÓN NAVARRO
Director, Episcopal Commission for the Liturgy (CEE)
Yes, there were other elements that existed before. For example, the red velvet mozzetta with fur or the Pope’s various items, like the tiara. Those obviously existed.
Next to the Sistine Chapel, there is a room filled with symbolism of the conclave. It’s called the “Room of Tears,” the place where the newly elected pope changes from his cardinal’s garments into papal vestments.
Odds are that Pope Saint Pius V was not aware of the impact of his decision. Five centuries later, the choice he made at that moment remains one of the defining feature of the papacy.
AM
