What will the new Pope dress? The deep symbolism behind each garment

The newly chosen Pope will leave the Sistine Chapel at the end of the conclave and will enter a small prelude known as the “Hall of Tears” to dress for the first time with his papal attire.

Here is a list of the clothes you could see when the new Pope goes out to the central balcony of the Basilica of San Pedro to greet the people and impart their first blessing “City and the World”:

• He White Solide – Also known as “Zucchetto” or “Pileolus” – covers the front and rear of the Pope’s head, and symbolizes the authority of the pontiff over other prelates. It has an ecclesiastical history that dates back to the thirteenth century and is similar to the hat without wing used by the ancient Romans.

• The White Sotana – A long -sleeved garment that reaches the ankles – is made to measure with 100 % wool or a mixture of wool, and symbolizes the innocence, charity and holiness of the papal trade, according to the French bishop of the 12th century Guillermo Duranti. The Sotanas, who have historical links with the Roman tunic known as “Caracalla”, usually wear 33 buttons in reference to the 33 years of life of Jesus before his resurrection and ascension to heaven.

• A White belt of linen or silk, also called “fascia”, takes over the cassock just above the waist and represents the devotion, delivery and submission of the Pope to the call of Jesus Christ to serve and take care of his Church. The fascia is a symbol of disposition to minister to the people of God.

• The white pilgrima small layer attached to the cassock that covers the pope’s shoulders. Although you can also use the cardinals, bishops and priests, only the Pope takes it in white. Remember the layers used by Catholic pilgrims in past times.

• He White rockerya garment to the knee that is carried on the cassock and that is used by the prelates as a sign of their clerical range and as a physical reminder of their call to serve the church. It is used in non -liturgical ceremonies and symbolizes the dignity and spiritual purity of who holds it.

• The White superpelliza loose line or cotton clothing that is carried on the root, symbolizes the white tunic of baptism and the reborn of life in Jesus Christ. Its white or ivory color represents the spiritual purity, holiness and humility of the cleric that saw it.

• The Red Botsa small layer that falls on the shoulders, symbolizes the authority of the Pope and his call to compassion.

• The cruz pectoralsuspended by a golden cord, takes over the muleta at the height of the pectoral muscle that protects the heart. In a gesture of pain for sin –sin In Latin – he hits his chest, since it is because of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ that hearts reconcile with God and sins are forgiven, explains Mons. Austin Anthony Vetter, Bishop of Helena, Montana.

• He Fisherman’s ring It is placed on the Pope’s finger after his choice as a sign of his reign as the new Pontiff and Successor of San Pedro.

• The Red stola With gold embroidery it is carried on the shoulders. This garment represents the priestly consecration of the Pope and his responsibility to guide the Church as a good shepherd that carries his sheep on his shoulders and carries the yoke or the “sweet burden” of Jesus Christ.

• Los Red shoes Leather, used by several potatoes over the centuries, have their origin in the primitive church and in the Roman Empire. The color represents the passion of Christ and the blood of the martyrs, according to the founder of Liturgical Arts JournalShawn Tribe.

Translated and adapted by ACI Press. Originally published in CNA.