Papal slippers

In today's article we are going to delve into the exciting world of Papal slippers. Whether we are talking about the history of Papal slippers, its impacts on today's society, the technological advances related to Papal slippers, or any other relevant aspect, this topic is undoubtedly of general interest. Therefore, in the next lines we will delve into its origins, evolution and the role that Papal slippers plays today. In addition, we will explore different perspectives and opinions on Papal slippers, with the aim of providing a holistic and enriching vision on this topic. Get ready to immerse yourself in an informative journey about Papal slippers!

Pope Pius VII wearing papal slippers (1819, Thomas Lawrence, Royal Collection, Windsor).
Pius VI pontifical slipper in Museo Cappuccini Firenze
Glass sarcophagus of Pope John XXIII in St. Peter's Basilica.

The Papal slippers (Italian: pantofole papali) are a historical accoutrement worn by the Pope. The papal slippers were a form of episcopal sandals worn by bishops. However, unlike the (rarely seen) episcopal sandals, which change with the liturgical colour, the papal slippers were always red.

Usually elaborate, papal slippers were made by hand with red satin, red silk, and gold thread; they featured an embroidered cross garnished with rubies and the soles were made of leather. Until the first half of the 20th century, it was customary for pilgrims having an audience with the Pope to kneel and kiss one of his slippers.

The pope traditionally wore the slippers inside the papal apartments, while red leather papal shoes were worn outdoors. Pope Paul VI discontinued the use of the papal slippers but continued to wear the red outdoor papal shoes, which were abandoned by Pope John Paul II in favour of cordovan brown leather walking shoes made in his native Poland.

Pope Benedict XVI restored the use of the red outdoor papal shoes, similar to those worn by Paul VI. However, it would seem that the papal slippers were not restored as photographs of Benedict showed him wearing red shoes inside the confines of the Vatican.

See also

References

  1. ^ a b c d Bolton, Andrew; Bohem, Barbara Drake; Gallo, Marzia Cataldi; Mann, C. Griffith; Morgan, David; Ravasi, Gianfranco Cardinal; Tracy, David (2018). Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination. Metropolitan Museum of Art. p. 24. ISBN 978-1-58839-645-7.

External links

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