From Australia’s The Age:
The devil might wear Prada, but the Pope most certainly does not.
Finally reacting to months of speculation that the pontiff was a fan of the high-end fashion house, the Vatican has announced that the Pope’s red shoes are not by Prada after all.
It has revealed that Pope Benedict XVI is a “simple and sober man” who is not dressed by Prada but by Christ, according to the newspaper L’Osservatore Romano. The paper said the colour of the Pope’s shoes symbolised the blood of martyrs.
While his Serengeti sunglasses may have helped the 81-year-old make Esquire magazine’s list of the world’s best-dressed men last year – he was named Accessoriser of the Year – Pope watchers have noted an apparent hankering for the past, both in his vestments and in his liturgical choices.
But the Vatican has let it be known it does not take kindly to such facile labels as “retro” or “vintage” when discussing sartorial choices. These include lace or richly embroidered surplices, centuries-old mitres and a red wool camauro cap with ermine trim that dates back to the 12th century and was worn by John XXIII, who died in 1963.
Benedict has also brought back the ombrellino, a small umbrella that symbolises the pope’s temporal powers.
Many see in the changes the hand of Monsignor Guido Marini, who became the new master of pontifical liturgical celebrations nine months ago.
Wearing the traditional saturno hat.
Cope recently worn during Solemn Vespers for the Solemnity Ss. Peter and Paul in Rome.
An older style of chasuble for Pentecost.
The new pallium made its debut this past Sunday at the Mass for the Solemnity of Ss. Peter and Paul.
