Why are his clothes white? A person’s clothing tells us a lot about his or her role for others: we recognize a policeman by the uniform, a nun by her veil, a pupil by her apron... We could find many examples! The Pope too has a special robe, and it is unique in the world. It's called a cassock, and it is white. The Pope represents Jesus, and white is a symbol of innocence, purity, and charity. | |
Why does he wear that strange hat and hold a cross when he says Mass? Have you ever seen the Pope celebrating Mass? You might have said, “What’s he wearing?!” That strange pointed hat, the cross he uses as a stick... What do they represent? The Pope's clothing is that of a bishop. In fact, the Pope is the Bishop of Rome. Every diocese has a bishop: have you seen the one of your diocese? The hat is called miter, and the stick with the cross is a ferrule. | |
The miter and the ferrule are symbols of each bishop's mission to be a "shepherd" for the faithful, that is a guide for those who believe in Jesus as well as for those who have difficulty putting their trust in Him. In fact, Jesus once said, "I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep" (Jn 10:11). This is why bishops, just like shepherds, carry a stick and wear a distinctive hat. |