History and origin of the Sacred Archbishop’s Palios

Within the framework of the Solemnity of Saints Peter and Saint Paul next Saturday, June 29, Pope Francis will bless the Sacred Palliums of the new metropolitan archbishops. What meaning does this traditional ceremony have?

The Office of Liturgical Celebrations of the Holy See reported today that the Holy Father will celebrate the Mass in memory of the patron saints of Rome on the 29th at 9:30 am (local time) in St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican.

As is tradition, during the course of the Eucharist the Pontiff will bless these liturgical ornaments that remember the unity with the Successor of Peter.

What is the Sacred Palio?

The archiepiscopal Sacred Palio is a white wool ribbon between 4 and 6 centimeters long adorned with six black silk crosses, 4 at the neck and 2 at the ends.

The crosses on the neck indicate that the bishop must possess life, science, doctrine and power. The two at the extremes refer to the virtues of justice and prudence.

It is similar to a stole, it is placed around the neck and its extremities fall over the chest and back. It is also a badge that indicates the special dignity of the one who receives it.

How are they made?

The Sacred Palios are made with the wool of two white lambs that are raised by the nuns of the convent of San Lorenzo in Panisperna, in Rome.

For their part, the Lateran Canons Regular, who guard the Basilica of Saint Agnes Outside the Walls, are in charge of taking these animals to the Vatican, where they are blessed by the Holy Father.

Furthermore, on January 21, the solemnity of Saint Agnes, they are blessed in the Basilica dedicated to this Roman saint whose symbol is a lamb.

The nuns of the Santa Cecilia church in the Trastevere neighborhood (Rome) are in charge of weaving the Palios with the wool of these lambs, whose white color represents benevolence towards the humble and penitents.

Once made, they are taken to St. Peter’s Basilica and placed in an urn, which is called the “Pallium Niche,” and which is kept in the tomb of the Apostle St. Peter.

Traditionally, the Pallium was imposed by the Pontiff on each metropolitan archbishop after blessing them in the ceremony on June 29. However, in 2015 Pope Francis established that these ornaments be delivered to each metropolitan church.